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the # 1 magazine of computed applications and software

Report From CES: Computers Under $300

34 Educational Packages
^ SemiDisk Disk Emulator
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Apple Card Games !

Teach Your Child
Programming

Teach Yourself
Touch Typing

Learning To Learn By
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Man has only recently tested the waters of the home
computer age, and he has found the waters to his liking.

But with a brain capable of storing several trillion bits of
information, he will be continually pushing his new found
toy to greater limits. Will his machine live up to this
challenge?

Sadly, many personal computers will become tomorrow’s
junk in the attic. The SV-318 is one that will not. Because as
you get better, it gets better. It does so because of its
capability and expandability—both far beyond those of
any other affordable computer.

CAPABILITY. The SV-318 isn't just more capable. It's much
more capable. No other computer at even twice the price
combines all these extraordinary features: 32K ROM
expandable to 96K; 32K RAM expandable to 144K;

Extended Microsoft Basic (the industry standard): even
Standard CP/M 80-column capability so you can
i mmediately utilize over 10,000 existing software
programs. The SV-318 also has a unique built-in joystick/
cursor control—an immeasurably useful feature when it
comes to playing your favorite video game.

EXPANDABILITY. As you become more and more skillful
with computers, you'll love how the SV-318 "stretches” to
meet your demands (and actually leads you in fascinating,
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peripherals are available immediately. With most other
models, you have to wait months. For another, the SV-318 is
beautifully designed to interface with new options as they
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AFFORDABILITY. The SV-318 is not only eminently afford¬
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home budgeting, business applications, word processing,
programming and self-teaching, the SV-318 is the best
entertainment value in town. Not only can you use it with
your TV to play hundreds of different video games, you
can also use your SV-318 with a TV as a drawing tablet or
music synthesizer. In play, as in work, the SV-318 will
continually expand to meet your potential.

Whether you're just wetting your toes in computers, or
fully asail on the waters, the SV-318 is a computer that will
serve you for many, many years. You see, we believe that
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SPECTRAVIDEO SV-318 COMPUTER COMPARISON CHART

COMPUTING POWER FEATURES

BUILT IN ROM 32K 12K 10K 20K 16K 8K

EXPANDABLE TO 96K n;A 42K N/A 32K 16K

BUILT IN EXTENDED MICROSOFT- BASIC YES YES ADDITIONAL COST NO YES ADDITIONAL COST

BUILT IN RAM 32K* * 48K 16K 64K 16K 4K

EXPANDABLE TO 144K--64K 48K N/A 32K 16K

GAME/AUDIO FEATURES

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CP/m - compatibility ( 80 column programs)

CP/M' 2.2 YES NO**’ NO NO **** NO NO

CP/M* 3.0 YES NO NO NO NO NO

SV-902 FLOPPY DISK DRIVE

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virtually unlimited scope or cp/m o/S as well as a
complete variety of program languages such as
LOGO, PASCAL. FORTRAN, COBOL and PL-1.

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ARE YOU STILL LETTING YOUR PRINTER TIE UP YOUR COMPUTER?

While your printer is running, your
computer is tied up. You can’t use it
for processing, computing, data entry.
Nothing. All you can do is twiddle
your thumbs until the program is
finished.

Pretty ridiculous.

MICROBUFFER ALLOWS YOU
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You just dump your printing data
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continue processing. No waiting.

Microbuffer accepts data as fast as
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the data in its own memory buffer
then takes control of your printer.

It’s that easy.

THERE IS A MICROBUFFER
ESPECIALLY FOR YOUR APPLE.

Microbuffer II (just one in the full line
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specifically compatible with an Apple II

computer. An intelligent interface card
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firmware for text formatting and
advanced graphics dump routines.

Both serial and parallel models have
energy-efficient low power consump¬
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rate. Print formatting functions include
Basic listing formatter, self-test, buffer
zap, text screen dump, fully program¬
mable control characters and
transparent and maintain modes —

to name only a few.

Microbuffer II is simple to install —
being slot-independent, it slips directly
inside the Apple II in any slot except
zero. The 16K model is priced at $259
and the 32K, at $299.

Other Microbuffer models include
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stand-alone, in-line Microbuffer unit to
untie virtually any computer/printer
combination.

MICROBUFFER FROM
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• ’ V

in this issue

evaluations & profiles

02 The SemiDisk Disk Emulator. Hart

More speed and storage for S-100 systems

68 The s vQ uest 308 . Fastie

An affordable removable media hard disk drive

T 2 Dakin5 Controller 1.1. Exner

A comprehensive accounting system

Q0 Total Systems Concept .Verges

The ultimate program?

02 Computer Card Games. Uston

Cribbage, solitaire, gin rummy and blackjack

O0 Learning is Fun. Ahl

29 educational programs for Apple and Atari

1 44 M,,ton Bradley Scores Again. Smith

Language and math arts programs

154 Karel The Robot. Hirschfelder

A unique introduction to Pascal

articles

1 0 Report from CES. Ahl & Staples

7 new computers under $200

1 58 My Five " Y0ar ‘ o,d Knows Basic. Favaro

Just what can a child learn?

1 00 Teach Your Kids Programming. Carlson

Getting them started and keeping them interested

1 80 Learning To Learn. Kugel & Stowbridge

How computer games help

1 90 Cegolle. Rowe

Language learning by computer

202 Logo Ideas. Lawler

Getting off the garden path

216 Learn To Touch Type. Stares

Improve your word processing productivity

Cover illustration by Walter Velez.

applications & software

218 Simulated Circuits. Holko

Fun in the physics lab

226 Computer Art For The Tektronix 4052. Jacobson

Creating corsages

228 TBS' 80 Graphics Made Almost Painless. Crew

Part three: Graphics Manager

244 Controller Corner. Riley & Riley

Make an airplane steering wheel for your computer

departments

0 Input/Output. Readers

10 Notices. Fee

12 Dateline: Tomorrow. Ahl

News and views

16 7 Years A o°

w As we were

Ahl

260 ° ut P° st: Atari . Anderson

Announcing the 1200XL; interfacing with the outside
world

274

288

296

302

New Products. Zollo

Apple Cart. Prescott

Commodore s Port. Anderson

IBM Images. Fastie

What’s new on the market

310 TRS-80 Strings. Gray

Communications and a programmable character
generator

April, 1083
Volume 9, Number 4

Creative Computing (ISSN 0 097-8140) is published monthly by Ahl Computing.
Inc., a subsidiary of Ziff-Davis Publishing Company. David Ahl. President; Elizabeth
B. Staples. Vice President; Selwyn Taubman, Treasurer; Bertram A. Abrams.
Secretary. P.O. Box 789-M Morristown, N.J. 07960. Second Class postage paid at
New York, NY 10001 and at additional mailing offices.

Editorial offices located at 39 East Hanover Ave., Morris Plains, NJ 07950. Phone
(201)540-0445.

Domestic Subscriptions: 12 issues $24 97; 24 issues $43 97; 36 issues $57.97
POSTMASTER; send address changes to Creative Computing, P.O. Box 5214,
Boulder. CO 80321. Call 800-631-8112 toll-free (in New Jersey call 201-540-
0445) to order a subscription.

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

*■

staff

Founder/Editor-in-Chief

David H.Ahl

Editor

Managing Editor
Associate Editor
Editor-at-Large
Contributing Editors

Editorial Assistants
Secretary

Elizabeth B. Staples

Peter Fee

John Anderson

Ken Uston

Dale Archibald
Charles Carpenter
Thomas W. Dwyer
Will Fastie
Stephen B. Gray
Glenn Hart
Stephen Klmmel
Ted Nelson
Harold Novlck
Peter Payack
David Small
Alvin Toffler
Gregory Yob
Karl Zinn

Owen Linzmayer
Chris Vogeli

Andrew Brill
Laura Gibbons

Nina Zoilo

Art Director
Assistant Art Director
Artists

Typesetters

Patrick Calkins

Chris DeMilia

Diana Negri Rudio
Eugene Bicknell
Paul Krasner

Karen K.Brown
Renea C. Cole

Advertising Director

Jeff Weiner

Creative Computing Press Laura Conboy

Claudette Moore

Operations Manager

William L. Baumann

Comptroller

Patricia Kennedy

Accounting

Jennifer H. Shaler

Bookkeeping

Ethel Fisher

Retail Marketing

Jennifer Burr

Fulfillment

Frances Miskovich
Rosemary Bender
Linda Blank
Pat Champion
Susan DeMark
Elsie Graff
Gail Harris
Linda McCatharn
Bridget Maher
Joanne Sapio
Carol Vita
Jim Zecchin

Shipping & Receiving

Ronald Antonaccio
Mark Archambault

Bill Thomas

Scott McLeod
Mike Gribbon
Strawvey Montgomery

advertising sales

Advertising Director

Jeff Weiner
Creative Computing
Ziff-Davis Publishing Company
One Park Avenue
New York, NY 10016
(212)725-7957

Advertising Coordinator

Ruth Darling
Creative Computing
Ziff-Davis Publishing Company
One Park Ave.

New York, NY 10016

(212) 725-3446

Northern California, Northwest

Jeff Miller

Ziff-Davis Publishing Company
3030 Bridgeway Blvd.

Sausahto, CA 94965

(415) 331-7133

Southern California, Southwest

Tom Whiteway

Ziff-Davis Publishing Company
3460 Wilshire Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA 90010

(213) 387-2100

New England

CEL Associates, Inc.

27 Adams Street
Braintree, MA 02184
(617)848-9306

Midwest

Jeff Edman
The Pattis Group
4761 W. TouhyAve.

Lincolnwood, IL 60646
(321)679-1100

Mid-Atlantic

Larry Levine

Ziff-Davis Publishing Company
One Park Ave.

New York, NY 10016
(212)725-3452

Southeast

Browning Publications
P.O. Box 81306
Atlanta, GA 30366
(404) 455-3430

Canada

The Pattis Group
1623 Younge St.

Toronto, Ontario M4T 241

(416) 482-6288

micpofoptn

Creative Computing is available on per¬
manent record microfilm. For complete
information contact University Microfilms
International, Dept. F.A. 300 North Zeeb
Road, Ann Arbor, Ml 48106, or 18 Bedford
Road, London WC1R 4EJ. England, and
Micro Photo Division of Bell & Howell
Company, Old Mansfield Road, Wooster,
OH 44691.

where to send it

All editorial material, including article
submissions, press releases, and products
for evaluation should be sent to:

Creative Computing
39 E. Hanover Ave.

Morris Plains, NJ 07950
Correspondence regarding other Creative
Computing products and publications
should also be sent to the Morris Plains
address.

Correspondence related to advertising,
including ad copy, questions on billing, and
requests for rates, should be sent to:
Advertising Department
Creative Computing
Ziff-Davis Publishing Co.

One Park Ave.

New York, NY 10016

Correspondence regarding subscriptions,
including orders, changes of address, and
problems should be sent to:

Creative Computing
P.O. Box 5214
Boulder, CO 80321

Your help in choosing the correct address
for your correspondence is appreciated.
An incorrectly addressed letter or package
can take as long as several weeks to reach
its proper destination.

subscriptions

All subscriptions orders and other corre¬
spondence related to subscriptions
should be addressed to:

Creative Computing
P.O. Box 5214
Boulder, Colorado 80321.

Foreign subscriptions must be accom¬
panied by payment in U.S. currency.
Subscription prices:

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1 year $24.97 1 year 29.97 1 year 34.97

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may send payment in sterling to:

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Please allow at least eight weeks for
change of address. Include old address
as well as new—enclosing if possible an
address label from a recent issue.

attention authors

Creative Computing will not be responsible
for the return of unsolicited manuscripts, cas¬
settes, floppy disks, program listings, etc. not
submitted with a self-addressed, stamped
envelope.

April 1983 c Creative Computing

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CIRCLE 210 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Ada Wars

Dear Editor:

I feel that I must respond to Mr. Gilpin’s article “Two Ada
Compilers” in the January 1983 issue of Creative Computing.

SuperSoft has always been a leader in the microcomputer
software industry because of product excellence and ease of use.
Mr. Gilpin seems to have missed the fact that ease of use is a
critical consideration for any language compiler which is used as
a learning tool. SuperSoft's Ada is not only easy to use, but also a
good way to become familiar with the language syntax. The
same cannot be said for Janus, RR Software’s Ada look alike.
SuperSoft chose, initially, to optimize speed of compilation and
ease of use, rather than other aspects of language. We are
building from that base with further additions.

He also said that SuperSoft’s manual was only 29 pages long.
True, but he neglected to mention the fact that this was only one
of two manuals, the other being the standard DoD document on
the language. The fact that we include this standard description
should say something about just how standard our Ada is.

Mr. Gilpin complained about SuperSoft Ada’s lack of certain
data types, yet Janus didn’t even have floating point at the same
time of his review. SuperSoft’s Ada has always had floating
point. I urge Mr. Gilpin to try writing an engineering program
without it.

Herbert Schildt, President
SuperSoft
P.O. Box 1628
Champaign, IL 61820

Dear Editor:

As the author of the Supersoft/Maranatha Ada compiler, I
read the review of Supersoft Ada and RR Software’s Janus in the
January 1983 issue of Creative Computing with interest. Mr.
Gilpin has omitted some crucial details which should be brought
to the attention of your readers.

Mr. Gilpin doesn’t seem to understand the main reason Ada
was brought into being in the first place: standardization. The
Department of Defense (DoD) wanted a standardized language
to solve their problem of rapidly increasing software costs.
Standardization offers much for a computer language, including
portability from one machine to another, and a base of program¬
mers who don’t have to re-learn a new dialect of some language
for every new machine they work on, etc. The DoD’s position is
that Ada is Ada is Ada—a compiler is either full Ada, becoming
full Ada (an “incomplete implementation”) or is not Ada at all.

This is well and good since RR Software does not call their
product Ada but Janus. Why, then, is it reviewed in an article
entitled “Ada for CP/M”? And why is it reported as an Ada
subset? Further, Mr. Gilpin actually applauds RR Software for
deviating from the standard, and not just once, but five obvious
times: byte type, ASM statement, conditional compilation,
strings, and I/O. This is good news for systems programmers?

He states that 60% of the language has been implemented by
Janus and 10% by Supersoft Ada. Where he has found these
figures is indeed a mystery. Does the Janus 60% include variations
to the standard? Does he compute this percentage by the number
of grammar productions implemented? Perhaps by the size of
the compiler itself?

He seems to be confused as to the number of sample programs
provided. At one point he states there are several sample
programs with Supersoft Ada, and at another point he complains
that only two programs are provided, “one of which doesn’t
work.” In fact, several programs are provided, including a
factorial program, two versions of a CP/M dump utility, and a
program which solves the famous Towers of Hanoi problem, a
riddle most computer programmers will recognize as a study in
recursive techniques. Funny he forgot to mention that. If Mr.
Gilpin cannot change one of the programs to run using a terminal
with different control codes, well, that is hardly our fault.

Janus may indeed be a good product; but it is not an Ada
compiler, nor will it ever be. The Ada compiler which has been
implemented by Supersoft/Maranatha Software Systems thus
far conforms to the Ada standard, and version two (which has
already been released) contains most of the omissions Mr. Gilpin
complained about in version one. In my opinion, if you want to
learn real Ada, there is but one logical choice.

As a final note, Mr. Gilpin should follow his own advice and
feel some compassion for anyone attempting to implement Ada
in the CP/M environment.

David C. Norris, Owner
Maranatha Software Systems
500 Catalina Road #305
Cocoa Beach, FL 32931

Dear Editor:

I’m pleased that my articles on Ada ruffled a few feathers. I
am also glad that the people at Supersoft offered such a spirited
defense of their product. Welcome to the Ada wars, fellows—
there’s room down here for everyone.

Before answering the objections of Mr. Schildt and then the
author of the Supersoft compiler, I would like to ask them a
favor. Please send me a copy of the new release of Supersoft

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

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tput... input/output... input

Ada. Nothing would make me happier than to write a review
praising it to the ceiling. Until then, though, I will have to stick
by the conclusions of my previous article.

Now to business. 1 agree that the Supersoft compiler is easier
to use than Janus. Will it still be as easy to use when it incorpo¬
rates as much of the Ada language as Janus does? Time will tell.

It is also true that Janus deviates from the Ada standard. The
tiny fraction of Ada implemented by Supersoft is, indeed,
standard. But people who are more interested in learning the
language than in quibbling over a few extensions to the standard
will continue to choose Janus over Supersoft. As to whether or
not there is such a thing as an “Ada subset,” I suppose this
question has some metaphysical significance to copyright lawyers.
I just write programs. (Incidentally, the people at RR Software
tell me that Janus will be expanded to the point where it will
encompass the full standard. The full language will initially be
available for computers based on the 8086/88 processer. RR has
no plans to implement it on the Z80. Perhaps if Houdini were
still alive...)

I was waiting for someone to call me on those percentage
estimates. Naturally, there isn’t any algorithm for determining
how much of a language is present in a particular compiler. The
numbers came from a source we writers tend to trust as much as
computer printouts—intuition. But if someone comes up with an
empirical test to check my intuition I’ll be surprised if the results
are much different. I do, however, apologize for giving the
mistaken impression that the Janus compiler is six times as large
as the Supersoft compiler. It is eight times as large.

I did mention (in the eighth paragraph of the review) that
Supersoft provides the Ada Language Reference Manual (LRM)
along with its own document. RR has always offered it as an
extra. Unless you are very serious about Ada, I wouldn’t bother
with the LRM—it is so poorly written that it is practically
unreadable.

There was one thing about my review for which I must
seriously apologize — the misprint about Supersoft supporting
two “programs.” Correcting the misprint to “pragmas” suddenly
makes the paragraph make sense in light of my earlier comments
in the article. To clear things up, Janus has ten pragmas (compiler
directives), two of which are defined in the LRM. Supersoft has
two pragmas, one of which—LIST—appears in the LRM. Unfor¬
tunately, LIST is the one which does not work. (Supersoft
should understand misprints. One of their early ads boasted that
their compiler supported a “floating disk.” The original draft of
my review contained a very low swipe at this which, happily, I
removed.)

I suppose that covers everything. Again, I would like to
emphasize that I really don’t like writing negative reviews. I
hope that Supersoft can send me a version of their Ada compiler
that will make me eat my words.

While I’m here, I might mention that the Telesoft Ada com¬
piler, the most complete version of the language on the market,
is now available for the IBM Personal Computer. It’s not cheap—
the compiler alone is $3000 and you have to beef up your PC to
256K. I’ve been using it for several months now and it is superb.
If there is enough interest I would be glad to review it along with
the new editions of Janus and Supersoft Ada.

Geoff Gilpin
1018 N. Leminwah St.

Appleton, WI 54911

Magic Fingers

Dear Editor:

We read with interest the article on the Brailleprinter. Personal
Micro Computers also makes a solenoid driven typing robot
which we call Electric Typing Fingers (Model ETF-80). Our
ETF-80 has also been operated with the Braillewriter by several
individuals whose names and addresses are available by writing
to PMC. We understand that, with the ETF-80, modifications to
the Braillewriter key tension are not required. The ETF-80 is
available with cable for the following computers: Apple with
Apple printer card; Apple with Epson printer card; TRS-80
Model I or III; TRS-80 Model II; and IBM-PC.

The price is $595 with cable; the IBM-PC requires in addition
a $25 adapter. The interface is Centronics parallel so it can be
adapted to other computers having a Centronics parallel printer
interface,

R. Ronald Troxell
Marketing Director
Personal Micro Computers, Inc.

475 Ellis St.

Mt. View, CA 94043

Bursting Our Bubble

Dear Editor:

I have just finished reading the fine article on sorting and
searching techniques in the December, 1982 issue. Listing 3 on
page 289 may be made more efficient by changing line 1010 to:
1010 FOR J = I + 1 TO N

Although this sort has been described as a Bubble Sort, I know
it as a Linear Sort With Exchange. The Bubble Sort, which
exchanges adjacent records at each step, is more efficient than
the Linear Sort With Exchange, but is less efficient than the
Shell Sort. 1 did not see a true Bubble Sort in this article.

You have a fine magazine and the presentation of efficient
algorithms is appreciated.

Robert F. MacDougall
1349 Lonfellow
Canton, MI 48187

What Hath PC Wrought

Dear Editor:

It was reassuring to see that “Line 990 is not a gag. The BEEP
Toggles an 800MHz tone through the PC speaker for a quarter
of a second,” in “Programming Wheels” on page 258 of your
January issue.

Using this little known feature of the IBM PC, I developed the
following short program:

10 X = 40
20 FOR I =1 to X
30 BEEP
40 NEXT I

Changing the value of X allows one to defrost a TV dinner,
warm up coffee in a styrofoam cup (not metal!), or communicate
line-of-sight with another PC—without using a modem.

Thanks to Mr. Hastings for revealing this surprising function.

Mark Hull
1395 Buchanan Place N.E.
Columbia Heights, MN 55421

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

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exclusively by Leading Edge, a company known for searching out and providing that very thing.
Which means that one call to one source can get you any printer, any time you need it, for any purpose,
All backed by a full years’ warranty from Leading Edge. (Try that on any other line of printers.)

The Prowriters: business printers—and more. The “more” is a dot-matrix process with more dots. It gives you denser,
correspondence quality copy (as opposed to busi ness quality copy, which looks like a bad job of spray-painting).
Prowriter: 120cps. 80columns dot matrixcompressable to 136. 10" carriage. Parallel or serial interface.
Prowriter 2: Same as Prowriter, except 15" carriage allows full 136 columns in normal print mode.

Parallel or serial interface.

THE STAR.

The Starwriter F-10. In short (or more precisely, in a sleek 6" high, 30-pound unit), it gives you more
of just about everything—except bulk and noise—than any other printer in its price range. It’s a 40 cps letter-
daisy-wheel with a bunch of built-in functions to simplify and speed up word processing.

It plugs into almost any micro on the market, serial or parallel.

THE MASTER.

The Printmaster F-10. Does all the same good stuff as the Starwriter e*xcept, at 55 cps, the Master does it faster.

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lices... notices... notic

NECC 83

David H. Ahl, founder and editor-in-
chief of Creative Computing magazine,
will be the keynote speaker at the 5th
Annual National Educational Computing
Conference (NECC) to be held at the
Baltimore Convention Center June 6-8,
1983. Mr. Ahl will speak at the opening
session, Monday, June 6, at 10:00 a.m. on
the subject, “The State of the Art in
Educational Software.”

NECC 83 will feature contributed pa¬
pers, tutorials and workshops in all areas
of educational computing from research
to instructional software to administrative
applications. Special emphasis is being
placed on sessions dealing with computing
in elementary and secondary schools.

For further information and advance
registration forms contact the NECC 83
Annual Chairman, Doris Lidtke, Depart¬
ment of Mathematics and Computer
Science, Towson State University, Balti¬
more, MD 21204.

1983 Applefests

Three Applefest Shows and Confer¬
ences will be held in 1983.

For the 1983 events, Northeast Exposi¬
tions has added conferences, seminars,
workshops and panel discussions which
are designed to show users how to get the
most out of their Apples. Approximately
350 exhibitors are expected to participate
in each of the 1983 events.

The 1983 Schedule is as follows:

Applefest/Anaheim
Anaheim Convention Center
April 15-17

Applefest/Boston
Bayside Exposition Center
May 13-15

Applefest/San Francisco
Moscone Center
October 28-30

For more information call or write:
Northeast Expositions, 826 Boylston St.,
Chestnut Hill, MA 02167. (617) 739-2000
or (800) 841-7000.

Computers/Graphics in
the Building Process

BP ’83—“Computers/Graphics in the
Building Process,” co-hosted by The
National Academy of Sciences’ Advisory
Board on the Built Environment (ABBE)
and the National Computer Graphics
Association (NCGA) and sponsored by
the World Computer Graphics Associa¬
tion (WCGA) will be held at the Wash¬
ington D.C. Convention Center, April 4-
8, 1983.

For further information contact: World
Computer Graphics Association, 2033 M
Street, N.W., Suite 399, Washington, D.C.
20036. (202) 775-9556.

TRS-80 Joystick Update

In the October 1982 issue of Creative
Computing we ran an article on installing
a joystick on the TRS-80 Model I and III.
Apparently the keyboards on some TRS-

Corrections

80s, particularly those sold outside the
U.S., are different from those shown in
the article.

If your keyboard does not conform to
the diagram, simply use an ohmmeter to
determine which is the common lug on
the five keys. There will be zero resistance
between them. Then solder the connec¬
tions to the other lug, except on the
spacebar where both connections will be
used.

Thanks to Hector Jasso of Nuevo Leon,
Mexico for bringing this to our attention.

Fin-Apple Ratios

Canadian readers will be interested to
know that the Brigham textbook refer¬
enced in the article “Fin-Apple Ratios”
(February 1983) will be available in April,
1983 as Canadian Financial Management:
Theory and Practice , Brigham, Kahl, and
Rentz, Holt, Rinehart and Winston of
Canada, Toronto, 1983. The book con¬
tains a microcomputer application to
capital budgeting, using an electronic
spreadsheet.

In the article “Fin-Apple Ratios” (Feb¬
ruary 1983), the following ratios were
listed incorrectly.

Under Profitability Ratios — Gross Margin Ratio = 41.71 not 41.5.
Under Coverage Ratios — Total Interest Charges = 14 not 100.
Under Stock Ratios — Earnings Per Share = .14 not .875.

Price to Earnings = 85.7 not 13.7.

April 1983 ° Creative Computing

g@@S FlaYday!

Take your marble to
the top. Pick your spot
and let it drop. Hope
for a flip instead of a
flop. Once you get it,
the fun never stops!
It’s FLIP OUT— a
crazy new strategy
game for one or two
players. Each marble
you drop causes a
chain reaction, so take
your time and plan
carefully. Plan right
and you’ll flip, if you
didn’t you Flip Out!

It is up
to you to stop the
invasion of the evil
Quarriors and save
Repton. You are armed
with devastating
Nuke Bombs, a Radar
Screen, a Laser Gun
and an Energy Shield.
You’ll need them all!
You’ll be attacked by
Nova Cruisers and
Single Saucers. You
must avoid Spye
Satellites and deadly
Dyne-Beam Shooters
and you must stop the
Draynes from deplet¬
ing the Reptonian
power supply. Repton
is a battle so thrilling
you’ll be relieved to
find out you’re still on
earth when it’s over!

A FAST ACTION TYPING ARCADE

AN AN I MATED STRATEGY GAME

Turn your keyboard
into a typing arcade!
You can blast attack¬
ing letters and words
right out of the sky.
Type Attack was
designed by a profes¬
sional educator and
the fast action game
experts at Sirius. It
features 39 pre¬
programmed lessons
and 60 user defined
lessons. Great sound,
graphics and a real¬
time words per minute
bar make improving
your typing skills fun!

Talk about adventure
on the high seas!
You’re blasting away
at a squadron of
enemy bombers and
Kamikaze fighters from
the deck of your P.T.
boat. Suddenly you
notice the sea is
loaded with mines and
an Exocet missile is
screaming toward you
on the horizon. Instinc¬
tively you jerk the joy¬
stick to the starboard,
keeping your thumb on
the fire button. Phew!
That was close! Some¬
times it’s hard to
believe Wavy Navy’s
just a video game.

New Games For Your Apple II From Sirius™

Type Attack, Wavy Navy, Flip Out and Repton packages, programs, and audio visuals © 1982 Sirius. Type Attack, Wavy Navy, Flip Out, Repton and
Sirius are trademarks of Sirius Software, Inc. Apple is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.

For more information contact your local Sirius dealer or distributor or contact us at 10364 Rockingham Drive,

Sacramento, CA 95827, (916) 366-1195.

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ow... dateline: tomo wow... da

IBM Discounts for Schools

David H. Ahl

At the present time, the big four in the education market are Apple, Tandy, Atari, and
Commodore. Now IBM wants to get in and they figure the best way to do it is with big 20% plus
discounts.

A typical configuration for school use consists of the cpu, 64K of RAM, 12” color monitor,
single 160K disk drive, and DOS, and carries a list price of $2545. With the school discount, this
system will now sell for $1995.

A word processing configuration with 64K, 12” b&w monitor, graphics printer, disk drive,

DOS, and the Typing Tutor package lists for $3900. With the school discount applied, it will sell
for $3079, a 21% discount.

But Do Schools Really Want Computers?

Educators seem to be sharply divided over efforts to obtain Federal subsidies for putting
personal computers in classrooms at little or no cost to the school district. The legislation,
sometimes known as the Apple bill, passed the House in 1982. This permits manufacturers to donate
computers to schools and take a tax writeoff equal to approximately twice the manufacturing cost of
the machine.

But the Senate has not passed the bill, primarily because the National Education Association
and other educational groups oppose it. Why is the NEA opposed? Because, they say, existing
computers are going unused in schools because teachers have not been trained to use them. Other
educators complain that the software is unimaginative and ill-suited for students. (They apparently
are unaware of the basic principle of the free enterprise system. Specifically, if there is a
market, companies will develop a rich assortment of good products for it; if there is not a market,
they won’t.)

Some educators, of course, are in favor of the bill. But without the support of the
politically active NEA, it is unlikely that free computers will hit the schools for quite some
time.

Computers At Colleges and Universities

Since writing in the December 1982 issue about the requirements of Carnegie-Mellon Univ. and
Stevens that students have their own personal computers, I have been informed that 1000 Clarkson
freshmen will receive Zenith Z-IOOs in the fall of 1983 and that RPI has a similar program, but on a
pilot basis with just 60 students.

Are there other colleges with similar programs? If so, we’d like to hear about them. In
particular, we'd like to know how many students are involved, in what disciplines, what years
(freshman, sophomore, etc.), what computer is being used and how it is to be purchased.

And You Thought Video Games Were Dying

Wall Street in its characteristic way reac.ted violently when Warner announced that Atari
sales would fall below expectations. ’’Sell Warner, sell Coleco, sell Mattel,” shouted the
securities analysts. And investors did, driving the share prices of many game companies to new lows
for the year.

But at CES, the mood was just the opposite. Game manufacturers went home with their order
pads full. Many audio retailers planned to add game departments and several decided to add
computers as well.

Currently, Atari dominates the video game market with about two-thirds of the installed
base. However, with Mattel, Coleco, N.A.P., and some others coming on strong, we would expect
Atari’s share to diminish somewhat, although it is unlikely that they will lose their enormous lead
altogether.

As for the overlap between video games and personal computers, with the prices of computers
plummeting, we expect to see more and more people having both a video game and computer, or more
than one of each. Today, about 40% of personal computer owners also own a video game system while
22% have two or more computers. I wouldn’t be surprised to see a dramatic increase in those
percentages by the end of the year.

Sign of the Times

I recently visited Mahopac High School to give some presentations on technology in
education. My talks were in the library.

A large sign on the desk proclaimed, "Please ask for these at the desk: Creative Computing,
Cycle, Field and Stream, Hot Rod..." The seven other magazines on the list included mostly motoring
and sports magazines, but no other computer titles. Over 100 other magazines were on the open
shelves, including some of our "competitors."

I was there on November 2. The December issue had arrived a few days earlier and was
already dogeared. Thanks, Mahopac.

Random Observations and Notes

In the second and third weeks of January, nine out of the ten issues of The Wall Street
Journal had articles about personal computers.

The IBM home computer, dubbed "Peanut," will have a retail price of around $630.

We welcome Ken Uston as editor-at-large. Ken is widely reputed to be the world’s foremost
blackjack player. After being banned from many casinos, he turned to videogames and wrote Mastering
Pac-Man as well as four other books on coin-op and home games. He has now turned his considerable
writing talent toward personal computers; his first book on the subject will be published this
spring and you will see him regularly on these pages.

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

WHERE IS IT?

THE NIGHTMARE, designed by Marc Russell BeniofJSi/r'^

_ J

Offers... _

• Both Puzzle-Solving Si Role-Playing Intrigue!

• Superb Graphics, Sound Si Color Animation!

°%x%

W
%y

i o*

DREAMING or is it real? ^ ^

Lost in a maze of haunted chambers • •.
pursued by fearsome creatures,

YOU’RE TRAPPED IN AN OLD CASTLE!

Don’t listen to those screams...
seek the key to your escape...
reach the Iron Door. Pay no
attention to the footsteps behind you
—it’s not the psychopathic killer!
Concentrate—THINK! Find Your

Mitul’c Pirn hi/frlon in fho noafh Tiifinol

w aa vy wi vmssv'I a* wi i w w •

Requires...

• ATARI 400/800 & One Disk Drive ^

• One Player Si Joystick Controller
Comes with...

• Game Program 8i Complete Instructions

• EPYX 30/FOREVER WARRANTY

Now Available At Your Favorite Dealer. .. $29.95
For the name of your nearest EPYX dealer write:
“THE nightmare;/
EPYX/Automated Simulations, Inc.

1043 Kiel Court, Sunnyvale, CA 94086

edvx

m M COMPUTER GAMES

M m TH/NKERS PLAY

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EPYX Temple of Apshai was the very first computer
game ever to win the Hobby Industry award for
excellence. EPYX pledges you that same excellence
in every game you purchase from us ... the VERY
BEST in entertainment!

EPYX 30/FOREVER WARRANTY
♦Our 30-day Unconditional Guarantee: If your
EPYX Game has any defect whatsoever within
30 days of purchase, return it to us or your
dealer and we will replace it free.

*Our Forever Warranty: If anything happens
to your disk at any time after 30 days, for
any reason, just send it back with $5.00 for
shipping, and we will send you a replacement.

•ATARI 400/800 is a trademark of ATARI , INC .

Introducing Snooper Troops “
detective series.

Educational games that turn ordinary
homes into Sherlock homes.

Where can you find educational games
that your Kids will really enjoy playing?

Elementary, my dear Watson. Prom
Spinnaker.

Our Snooper Troops detective games are
fun, exciting and challenging. And best of
all, they have real educational value. So
while your kids are having fun, they're
learning.

As a Snooper Trooper, your child will
have a great time solving the mys¬
teries. But it will take some daring
detective work. They'll have to
question suspects, talk to myste¬
rious agents, and even search
dark houses to uncover clues.

The Snooper Troops programs are
compatible with Apple,® IBM® and
Atari® computers
and provide your

kids with everything
they need: a SnoopMobile, a
Snoophet computer; a camera for taking
Snoopshots and even a notebook for keep¬
ing track of information.

Snooper Troops detective games help
your children learn to take notes, draw
maps, organize and classify information
and they help develop vocabulary and
reasoning skills. All the while your kids
are having a good time.

So if you want to find educational
games that are really fun, here's a
clue: Snooper Troops games are
available at your local software
store, or by writing to: Spinnaker
Software, 215 First Street, Cam¬
bridge, MA 02142.

Troops games will soon be

1 mm ^TM

Commodore 64 is a trademark of Commodore Electronics Limited.

Spinnaker's early learning
games will help make your children
as smart as yon tell everyone they are

ir
fa

After all, they're your kids.

Spinnaker can help make them even
smarter. With a line of educational software
that kids love to play.

Spinnaker games make the computer
screen come to life with full color graphics
and sound. And they're fun. Lots of fun. But
they also have real educational value.

Some of our games help exercise your
child's creativity. Others improve memory
and concentration. While others help to
improve your child's writing, vocabulary,
and spelling skills.

And every 5pinnaker game provides
familiarity with the computer and helps your
children feel friendly with the computer.

Even if they've never used a comput¬
er before.

And Spinnaker games are compati¬
ble with the most popular computers:
Apple? Atari® and IBM?

Our newest game, KinderComp™

(Ages 3-8) is a collection of learn
ing exercises presented in a fun
and exciting manner.

Rhymes and Riddles"*
(Ages 4-9) is a letter guess¬
ing game featuring kids'
favorite riddles, famous say¬
ings and nursery rhymes.
Story Machine™ (Ages
5-9) lets children write their
own stories and see them
come to life on the screen.

And PACEMAKER™ lets your
children create their own funny
faces and make them wink, smile,
wiggle ears (not your kids' ears,
the ears on the screen), etc.

And we're intro¬

ducing new games
all the time.

So look for Spinnaker
games at your local
software retailer, or by
writing to: Spinnaker
Software, 215 EirstSt.,
Cambridge, MA 02142.
And show your kids
how smart their par¬
ents really are.

srmrw xer

Spinnaker's early
learning games will
soon be available for the
Commodore 64 “ computer.

sp/nna/reR

We make learning fun.

Apple, IBM and Atari are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc., International Business Machines Corp. and Atari, Inc., respectively.

DAISY WHEEL
PRINTER

Full Olivetti

typewriter

warranty

U.L.

Fisted

$695

plus shipping

FEATURES

• Typewriter operation with nothing to disconnect • io. 12 or 15 characters per
inch switch selectable • Portable with carrying case • Entire interface mounted
internally in the Olivetti Praxis 30 typewriter • Underlining • Cables available for
most computers • Service from Olivetti dealers • Centronics compatible parallel
input • Built in self test • Cartridge ribbon • 2nd keyboard switch selectable.

125 NORTHVIEW RD„ ITHACA. N.Y. 14850
(607) 272-1 132

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ALF COPY SERVICE

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If you produce software, ALF’s disk copying service is the
quick, convenient answer to your disk duplication needs. Most
orders are shipped in less than a week. Every disk we copy is
verified bit by bit and guaranteed 100% flawless. Standard
formats include Apple II (incliMng nibble-copy proof and
double-boot), Apple III, Atari, IBM, Osborne, and TRS-80.

Our “no frills” pricing means you don’t have to buy extras
you don’t need — set-up charges are $10 to $25 per disk to be
copied, copying charges are 30<c to 40<p per side (minimum: 50
copies).

Of course, we have the frills too — including custom printing
and packaging. Call us today for complete details.

We also sell blank disks
in bulk pack boxes of 100.

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Years

Ago

tA»' ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE &

T?- EXTRATERRESTRIAL INTELLIGENCE

K Ctin Computers Think '

2* ? Dickson: Computers Don't Argue

ft* \ THE FUTURE OF COMPUTERS

W i 111 Iboul Videodiscs

creative

computing

The main topics of the March 1976
issue were artificial intelligence and
videodiscs.

Bertram Raphael of the SRI AI Center
felt that the computer was far more than
an obedient intellectual slave and that it
soon would be able to solve general prob¬
lems spoken to it as questions.

The issue had a comprehensive primer
about AI and posed some sticky ethical
questions like, “does man have the right
to create a race of robotic slaves?”

Fueling the discord in the AI com¬
munity were reviews by Herbert Dreyfus
of books by Marvin Minsky, Seymour
Papert and Patrick Winston.

An article by Tien Chi Chen of IBM
pointed out that the ratio of the cost to
program and debug a line of code to the
cost to execute the line had reached the
astronomical value of 100 million. Today,
the ratio is more like 30 billion, a dramatic
demonstration of the worth of human
brainpower. Chen felt strongly that
human convenience should be maximized
at the expense of machine time whenever
possible; perhaps this partially explains
the phenomenal growth and appeal of
personal computers.

Three articles discussed videodiscs and
the possibility of linking them to com¬
puters. No videodiscs were on the market
then, yet it is surprising how close to
reality the visions of Alfred Bork and Art
Luehrmann turned out to be.

Martin Harwit, an associate of Carl
Sagan at Cornell, wrote about the pos¬
sibility of communicating with other in¬
telligent species across the universe.

Bruce Horn wrote a wonderful piece
about a flight simulation program he had
written in Smalltalk, and David Struble
wrote a dynamite Mastermind game
simulation.

The ads included one for a Black
Watch kit from Sinclair for $31.95, an
Altair 680 kit for $345 and systems from
DEC and HP for $30,000 plus. Quite a
range! □

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

Pascal
Basic
Cobol
Forth
Pilot
Fortran
Spread Sheet
Inventory
Logo

TRSDOS

KED IN

Data Base Management
Word Processor
Communication Utility
Accounts Receivable
Accounts Payable
Engineering Utility

General Ledger
Mailing List
Macro Assembler
Education

C P/M

Open your doors to a world of SOFTWARE with LNW
computers. You’ll get MORE PERFORMANCE' than with
the IBM PC? the Apple II? TRS80 MODEL II orTRS80
MODEL III 4 along with software support of TRSDOS or
CP/M, the TWO MOST WIDELY USED OPERATING
SYSTEMS. This means you, the user, can select from the
largest base of business or personal software.

Standard Features: A serial RS232 communication
port, parallel printer port, Hi-Resolution (480x192)

B/W and COLOR graphics, an 80 character-per-
line screen display along with Quad-density
interface for 5“ or 8"floppy disk storage
offering immediate access to 3.5 million
characters, or optional Hard disk

interface to 5 or 10 million characters.

Standard Software: LNWBASIC and DOS PLUS operat¬
ing system packages, commanding all the above features,
are included.

The LNW computer will be the key to your success
with the starting price at $1695.00, along with a full 6
month warranty.

Dealers: You too can open the door to a successful
product. Call for our special dealer programs:

(714) 544-5745.

LNW Computers

2620 Walnut Avenue
Tustin, California 92680

(714) 544-5744

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*TRSDOS is a trademark of Tandy Corp.

**CP/M is a trademark of Digital Research Corp.

1. Performance is based on bench mark test in the JAN 1982 issue of BYTE magazine, pg. 54, with LNW80 II as the comparison.

2. IBM PC is a trademark of IBM CORP

3. APPLE II is a trademark of APPLE COMPUTERS.

4. TRS80 is a trademark of Tandy Corp. International orders please inquire for pricing/shipping cost.

1983

Winter

Consumer

Electronics

Show

Creative Computing
presents the
Short Circuit
Awards

David H. Ahl and Betsy Staples

The Short Circuit Awards. Huh?

Well, New Jersey Monthly has the
Rotten Tomato Awards every year. (We
hope you all know that the best and big¬
gest tomatoes come from New Jersey,
consequently, the largest rotten ones for
throwing at dismal performers are found
here too.) Omni isn’t too imaginative,
calling their awards, “19xx’s Worst
. Scientific Achievements.” Someone else
has the “Dubious Distinction Awards,”
the radio/TV industry has bloopers, and
so on.

Since the consumer electronics in¬
dustry is built around silicon electronic
chips, we decided that a more dubious
kind of chip was appropriate for our
awards of distinction. What kind? Po¬
tato chips? Well, maybe, but it doesn’t
really suggest “not very good.” Wood
chips? Nah, no class. Buffalo chips? Yes,
yes, we thought. But on the cover of a
classy magazine like Creative Comput¬
ing! No, it just wouldn’t do.

So we brainstormed scores of possible
terms on the flight between Las Vegas
and Chicago. It took us a few hundred
nanoseconds—our brainstorming, not
the flight. We finally decided that Short
Circuit Awards was right. It describes
an idea that went awry and, as all elec¬
trical engineers know, it can’t be spelled
correctly. For four years at Cornell, one
of us spelled circuit, “circut,” just like
every other EE student. Three years out,
he learned better.

But we digress.

At the 1983 Consumer Electronics
Show, we saw a great number of marvel¬
ous innovations. We also saw some in¬
credible abuses and misuses of electronic
technology. So in this roundup of new
products, redesigned products, and
regurgitated products, we have pre¬
sented a number of awards—some for
innovation and some for other things.
Incidentally, we hate the use of the term,
“a number of.” It is horribly imprecise.

Why not use “couple” for two, “several”
for three or four, “scores” for 40 to 99,
“more than 100” for more than 100, and
so on? But notice, what does one use for
a number between 5 and 39? “Tens of?”
Well, maybe. “A number of?” No! That
could be anything between two and
infinity minus one. Good grief!

To avoid “a number of,” we read
ahead and counted the Short' Circuit
Awards and “real” awards. There are 33
of them. Read on—we’re sure you’ll find
some of them of interest. But be warned,
you will have to determine which
awards are for true achievements and
which are for dubious ones.

Enough, enough. Onward!

Last Things First

Toward the end of the show (Winter
Consumer Electronics Show, Las Vegas,
January 6-9, 1983), someone asked us,
“How cum Personal and Popular and
Byte and all them folks aren’t here?”

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

There are five good reasons
to buy the new HP-86.

And they’re all
solutions.

• Spreadsheet
analysis solutions.

• Letter, memo, and
report solutions.

• Information manage¬
ment solutions. • Pre¬
sentation graphics
solutions. • Data
communications
solutions.

If you need

more, check out our
600-page Software
Catalog, for every¬
thing from accounting
and finance to electri¬
cal engineering.

Put that together
with the modular config¬
uration of the HP-86,
and you’ve got a
machine designed
to expand as your
needs expand.

And500good.

reasons toouy it

now

SAVE $500 on software with our
three-for-one software sale through

April 30 '

Our Personal Productivity
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making quick work of work¬
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“what-if’ planning, you can
turn the result into graphics
immediately. (That’s the PLUS.)

WORD/80 software lets you
create, type, print, lay out, reproduce, and
store memos, letters, and reports.

FILE/80 software lets you store and

Personal
Productivity Pac

A $750 value for $250.

VisiCalc is a registered trademark of VisiCorp.
‘Suggested retail price. May vary outside U.S.

PG 02309 210 B

retrieve information quickly, add to your
records, delete or modify them, and maintain
lists easily. Without paperwork.

All in all, this is an offer de¬
signed to meet your essential
software needs. And it’s the per¬
fect complement to the new HP-
86, a personal computer we’re
really proud of.

Ask your dealer or sales rep
about the Personal Productivity
Pac, and do some serious com¬
parison shopping.

We’re so convinced you’ll prefer
the HP-86, the software offer stands.
Whether or not you buy the computer.
For the authorized HP dealer or HP sales
office nearest you, call TOLL-FREE 800-
547-3400 (Oregon, Alaska, Hawaii:
503-758-1010).

TTY users with hearing or speech impairments,
dial 503-758-5566.

For professionals on the move.

HEWLETT

PACKARD

CIRCLE 188 ON READER SERVICE CARD

bus, <»

GEMINI-

FOR PRINTER VALUE THAT’S
OUT OF THIS WORLD

Over thirty years of down-to-earth experi¬
ence as a precision parts manufacturer has
enabled Star to produce the Gemini series
of dot matrix printers—a stellar combina¬
tion of printer quality, flexibility, and reliabil¬
ity. And for a list price of nearly 25% less
than the best selling competitor.

The Gemini 10 has a 10" carriage and
the Gemini 15 a 15V2" carriage. Plus, the
Gemini 15 has the added capability of a bot¬
tom paper feed. In both models, Gemini
quality means a print speed of 100 cps, high-
resolution bit image and block graphics, '
and extra fast forms feed.

Gemini’s flexibility is embodied in
its diverse specialized printing
capabilities such as super/
sub script, underlining, back¬
spacing, double strike mode
and emphasized print mode. An'
other extraordinary standard

feature is a 2.3K buffer. An additional 4 K
is optional. That’s twice the memory of lead¬
ing, comparable printers. And Gemini is
compatible with most software packages
that support the leading printers.

Gemini reliability is more than just a
promise. It’s as concrete as a 180 day war¬
ranty (90 days for ribbon and print head), a
mean time between failure rate of 5 million
lines, a print head life of over 100 million
characters, and a 100% duty cycle that
allows the Gemini to print continuously.
Plus, prompt, nationwide service is readily
available.

So if you’re looking for an incredibly

high-quality, low-cost printer
that’s out of this world, look
to the manufacturer with its
feet on the ground—Star and
the Gemini 10, Gemini 15 dot
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CIRCLE 271 ON READER SERVICE CARD

CES, continued...

We said something about knowing
which way is up and so on. We also ob¬
served that we ( Creative Computing,
SYNC, etc.) have been going to CES for
the past four or five years, ever since a
personal computer appeared on the
show floor. On the other hand, many of
our would-be competitors tend to put
more emphasis on advertising sales and
circulation promotion at the shows and
less on editorial coverage than we do.

But we digress. This is the last
time—promise!

Adagio for Audio

Three years ago, the audio and video
folks owned the convention center. On
the “overlook” level, all you could hear
was one hi-fi manufacturer trying to
outblast another—literally. The listening
rooms were even worse—120 db if you
were lucky. If you wanted to go home
with your hearing intact, it was advis¬
able to put cigarette filters in your ears
before you entered the listening rooms of
Audio Tecnica, Fosgate, Ohm and
others.

Today? “Slow? You don’t know slow.
I saw my last customer hours ago,” said
one hi-fi manufacturer sitting forlornly
in his deserted listening room. The exot¬
ics were doing okay (no recession among
the well-to-do), but for the mid-range
folks it was disasterville.

So, audio is in the doldrums, or per¬
haps on a long plateau. Video, ditto.
Auto sound, ditto. Calculators and
watches, don’t ask.

Yet the attendance at CES was way
up, hitting nearly 80,000. Why? Because
of surging growth in four product cate¬
gories: telephones (the AT&T monopoly
is over), satellites (spreading like over¬
grown mushrooms) and, you guessed it,
video games and computers. There were
over 100 new video games introduced
and no fewer than ten new computers
under $300.

This isn’t a trade publication, so we
won’t belabor the prognostications of in¬
dustry leaders except to say that we
agree. Computers are Number 1. But
there were some other neat products too.

They Said It Couldn’t Be Done

And robot, a new company, introduced
B.O.B. and TOPO, a pair of nifty robots
with unique functions and behavior.
Conceived by their creators as socially
interactive devices, the Androbots offer
a multitude of attributes designed to
provide entertainment and education.

The Androbot concept came from
Nolan Bushnell. Bushnell, founder of
Atari and the Pizza Time Theater res¬
taurant chain has set up a corporate um¬
brella called Catalyst Technologies in

Androbot president Tom Frisina and
friend, B.O.B.

Sunnyvale to provide capital and struc¬
ture to innovative companies.

Androbot president Thomas Frisina
told us that B.O.B., an acronym for
“Brains on Board,” features true “arti¬
ficial intelligence,” talked of for years,
but never before offered in a tangible
consumer product. B.O.B. was clearly
the hit of the show and for him, we
present to Androbot the

Nifty New Product Award

B.O.B. has three 16-bit 8088 mpu’s,
three megabytes of memory, and five
ultrasonic sensors which locate and mea¬
sure each object in its immediate
environment. Thus, B.O.B. can navigate
with human-like accuracy. His wheel
and drive assembly permits forward mo¬
tion and turning with no danger of tip¬
ping over. B.O.B. also has two infra-red
sensors so he can differentiate between
humans and other objects based on tem¬
perature. Creative Computing will have a
comprehensive article on B.O.B. ($2500)
and his companion TOPO, which is

really a mobile extension of a home com¬
puter, in an upcoming issue.

Since B.O.B. is, in our opinion the
niftiest new product at CES, we thought
you might want to hear about the other
end of the spectrum. We had a tough
time deciding who should get the

Tacky New Product Award

With no fanfare at all, this goes to the
New Korea Industrial Company for
their Baby Bell. This is a small solid
state “electronic urination sensor.’’
According to the manufacturer, “the
Baby Bell which rings out that sweet
melody as the baby wets his nappy is a
joy and delight to any mother.” Pavlov
would love it.

Runners up included a flat speaker
which fits in musical panties for both
sexes; the slogan was “feel the beat in
your seat.” Another was an X rated
video game with such poor resolution
that we mistook a naked woman for a
pink tank.

Video Games for the Atari VCS

The stock market and many industry
analysts have not been kind to Atari of
late. However, as Mark Twain once said,
“reports of my death are greatly exag¬
gerated.” With over 100 new cartridges
for the VCS and a dynamite new line of
educational cartridges from Atari, we
think the VCS will be with us for some
time to come. To get started in the cate¬
gory, we must first present the

Best New Products
from the Most Boring
Press Conference Award

This goes to Atari in cooperation with
the Children’s Computer Workshop for
their release of five CCW games for
three to seven year olds. Paul
Firstenberg, president of CCW was an
absolute disaster at the press conference,
but, fortunately, the games are wonder¬
ful. They include Oscar's Trash Race to
reinforce counting and number skills,
Cookie Monster Munch, Big Bird's Egg
Catch (a simplified Kaboom type of
game), Grover's Music Maker, and Alpha
Beam in which the player must manipu¬
late a small spaceship to retrieve letters
and place them where they belong.

This line of games will be augmented
with other Atari games for pre-t^ens us¬
ing Peanuts and Disney characters to be
released later this year. Three Disney
games were also announced by Walt
Disney Telecommunications: Mickey
and the Beanstalk, Mickey and the Great
Outdoors, and Dumbo Flies Home.

In addition to the children’s line,
Atari announced a whole host of VCS
games based on popular arcade games

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

CES, continued...

through a 1920’s department store. It
has overtones of the blockbuster, Pitfall,
and seems destined for success.

Jim Levy, president of Activision and
an old friend from the MBA program at
Carnegie-Mellon, told me that
Activision is trying to hire 20 to 30 new
game designers. We think Jim’s policy of
putting the game designers in the lime¬
light is a good one and creates a better
company personality than keeping the
identity of the designers secret lest some
competitor hire them away. Jim also
mentioned that Activision will be bring¬
ing out software for the Atari home
computer later this year. We can’t wait!

Is it time for another award? Sure.

Most Hoopla
Behind a Game Award

This award goes to Fox Video Games
for their introduction of M*A *S*H. The
press conference introducing the game
was held in an Army mess tent set up in
the parking lot of the convention center.
It was regulation issue throughout from
the balky jeep to the huge juice vats to
the 4077th caps given to all the
attendees.

We were surprised, however, that
when Jamie Farr (Sgt. Maxwell Klinger)
showed up, he was in civies and not in
uniform. After a few jokes, we learned
that the M*A*S*H game will be avail¬
able not only for the VCS, but the Atari
computers, Vic 20, TI 99/4A,
Intellivision and ColecoVision.

Inside the convention center, the Fox
“booth” was a replica of “The Swamp.”
In addition to the M*A *S*H game, they
showd nine other new games including
The Revenge of the Beefsteak Tomatoes,
9 to 5 (a secretary-boss shoot-out),

Keystone Kapers by Activision for the
Atari VCS.

including Ms. Pac-Man, Centipede, Dig
Dug, Kangaroo, Jungle Hunt, Phoenix,
Vanguard, and Galaxian, as well as
“Real Sports” Football, Tennis, and
Soccer.

Atari also announced a similar line of
games for the new 5200 game system
which also includes Pole Position, Space
Dungeon, and Countermeasure.

Activision appears to have added sev¬
eral more winners to their stable of
games. In River Raid, by Carol Shaw
whom we interviewed on these pages last
year, the player must pilot an assault jet
over a constantly-changing course and
blast away enemy choppers, jets, ships,
bridges and oil depots. A highly addic¬
tive game!

Other new games from Activision in¬
clude Seaquest, a submarine rescue
game; Spider Fighter, a bug blaster
game; Oink!, a game loosely based on
the story of the three little pigs; Dolphin,
an undersea chase game; and Keystone
Kapers, a madcap chase between a lov¬
able Irish cop and a roguish robber

Meltdown, Flash Gordon and The Crypts
of Chaos, a fantasy role-playing game.

Comma-Vid announced three new
VCS games. Cakewalk is a cute game in
which you have to unload cakes coming
out of a kitchen on six conveyer belts.
Watch out for the gingerbread man!
Rush Hour is a driver’s nightmare come
true, while Stronghold requires you to
blast through whirling force fields to de¬
stroy lethal alien planet crawlers.

CBS Video Games introduced six new
ones. Two, Wings and Tunnel Runner,
use a proprietary RAM + Plus chip that
triples the memory capacity of the VCS
thereby permitting a significant increase
in the complexity and graphic detail of
the TV image. Wings is a realistic jet
fighter game while Tunnel Runner is a
three-dimensional perspective maze
game.

The four other games introduced by
CBS are all versions of Bally/Midway
coin-op games including Wizard of Wor,
Gorf, Blueprint, and Solar Fox. The lit¬
erature says of Gorf, “the player who is
unable to adapt his strategy is doomed.”
That’s for sure; we never did get past the
third board, but we sure had fun trying.

CBS also recently purchased K-Byte,
a producer of Atari 400/800 games.
Games in this line include the K-Razy
series (Antiks, Kritters, Shoot-Out, and
Star Patrol) with three more on the way,
Boulders and Bombs, Mountain King,
and an educational game, Time Trials.
Watch these pages for reviews of these.

Jamie Farr with the Fox Video M*A*S*H
game.

Mattel expanded their line of M Net¬
work cartridges for the Atari VCS with
nine new games. In the Adventures of
Tron you must avoid the pursuing
paralyzing recognizers, cannon-firing

April 1983 ° Creative Computing

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CIRCLE 263 ON READER SERVICE CARD

CES, continued...

Loco-Motion by M Network for the Atari
VCS.

tanks, and persistent grid bugs. Air
Raiders is a jet fighter game, and Star
Strike is a simulated 3-D flight through
space. Mattel has produced home ver¬
sions of two Data East coin-op games,
Loco-Motion and the runaway success,
Burgertime.

Other new Mattel M Network games
include Computer Revenge in which you
must defend the human race against hos¬
tile computers (it’s true!), In Search of
the Golden Skull and Advanced Dun¬
geons & Dragons.

Mattel also announced several chil¬
dren’s games (ages 4 to 9) for the VCS.
These include Scooby Doo, Masters of the
Universe, Rocky and Bullwinkle, and
Kool-Aid.

And now it is time for another award.

Games in Most Formats
Award

No question about this one; it goes to
Imagic. Demon Attack, that fantastic
Imagic game for the VCS, is now avail¬
able for Intellivision, Odyssey, Atari
computers and the Vic 20. Their popular
Atlantis game will also be available in
four formats. Bill Grubb, Imagic’s genial
president, told us that Imagic would also
be producing games for ColecoVision
and the TI 99/4A, thus bringing to
seven the number of game systems and
computers supported by Imagic.

Imagic unveiled no fewer than 17 new
game cartridges at CES. We didn’t have a

Safecracker by Imagic for Mattel Intel¬
livision.

chance to play them all; some of the in¬
triguing ones we did play include Safe¬
cracker with sensational 3-D graphic
effects; Dragon fire in which you must re¬
cover treasure from a castle taken over
by dragons; Ice Trek, a Nordic adven¬
ture game; and Escape From Argos in
which you are carried around by Pega¬
sus to do battle with one infuriated Fury
after another.

Imagic also introduced a child-
oriented (ages 5 to 9) game, Shootin’
Gallery, a colorful, cute shoot-’em-up.
P.S., adults will like it too.

U.S. Games introduced an incredible
array of 12 new VCS games. In Squeeze
Box, you try to shoot your way out of a
diabolical ever-shrinking jail cell. Three
“funny” games include Picnic in which
you must swat flies away from your
hamburgers, Gopher in which you de¬
fend your farm from marauding go¬
phers, and Piece ’O Cake in which you
must decorate cakes as they emerge
from the oven on a conveyer belt, very

Squeeze Box by U.S. Games for the Atari
VCS.

much like Pie-Man from Penguin Soft¬
ware for the Apple.

M.A.D. stands for missile attack and
defense and is a tough game, as is Com¬
mando Raid in which you must battle
android paratroopers. Other games in¬
clude Eggomania (along the lines of
Kaboom but with a humorous twist),
Raft Rider, Entombed, and Towering
Inferno.

Spectra Video announced several new
Spectravision VCS cartridges including
Master Builder, a two-player game that
pits you against the elements in the
completion of a building; Galactic Tac¬
tic, a shoot-’em-up; and Mangia, a hu¬
morous game in which you must dispose
of Mom’s good pasta by eating it, feed¬
ing it to the dog, or throwing it out the
window.

Spectra Video also showed a “true”
3-D game, Vortex, for the VCS, Atari
computers, Vic 20 and TI 99/4A. To
play, you must don special glasses with a
red and blue lens (remember the 3-D
movies of old?) and navigate your ship
through a meteor shower while defend-

Mr. Bills Neighborhood will be coming
soon from Data Age.

ing yourself from alien attack ships. A
neat concept.

The envelope please.

Best Licensed Character
Without a Product Award

This award goes to Data Age for
licensing Mr. Bill. At the press con¬
ference, Mr. Bill spoke and, in an un¬
planned drop off the podium, broke his
arm off. Shades of Sluggo. Well, Mr.
Bill, Sluggo, Sally, and Mr. Hands are
all supposed to be in this new game from
Data Age. The only catch—it doesn’t
yet exist. But we have confidence that it
soon will.

More tangible new games from Data
Age include Journey Escape in which
you must safely guide the five members
of America’s hottest rock ’n roll band
through the continuous onslaught of
groupies, promoters, photographers, and
more. In Bermuda Triangle you must
navigate around the Bermuda Triangle
in your mini-sub collecting artifacts and
blasting hazards. Frankenstein’s Monster
is a tough game in which you must get
stones from the basement of the castle
and bring them to the top to build a bar¬
ricade around the monster.

Tiger announced four new VCS titles
including the clever and popular Atari
computer game, Miner 2049er. Also
from Tiger are River Patrol in which you
must save drowning people while avoid¬
ing hazards in the river; Polaris, a game
with multiple screens for missile launch¬
ing and navigation; and Springer, a strat¬
egy game in which you must guide a
jumping rabbit from cloud to cloud
collecting treasures and avoiding
hazards.

Sega, a major force in coin-op games
(Turbo, Frogger, Zaxxon, Carnival) has
teamed up with Paramount (Star Trek,
Airplane, Marathon Man, etc.) to form
what is potentially one of the most po-

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

System Saver

For Line Surge Suppression

The SYSTEM SAVER provides es¬
sential protection to hardware and
data from dangerous power surges
and spikes.

SYSTEM SAVER _ t

APPLE II _ /

By connecting the Apple II
power input through the SYSTEM
SAVER, power is controlled in two
ways: 1) Dangerous voltage spikes
are clipped off at a safe 130 Volts
RMS/175 Volts dc level. 2) High fre¬
quency noise is smoothed out be¬
fore reaching the Apple n. A PI type
filter attenuates common mode
noise signals by a minimum of
30 dB from 600 khz to 20 mhz, with
a maximum attenuation of 50 dB.

For Cooling

As soon as you move to 64K RAM
or 80 columns on your Apple II you
need SYSTEM SAVER.

Today's advanced peripheral
cards generate more heat. In addi¬
tion, the cards block any natural air
flow through the Apple II creating
high temperature conditions that
substantially reduce the life of the
cards and the computer itself.

SYSTEM SAVER provides cor¬
rect cooling. An efficient, quiet fan
draws fresh air across the mother
board, over the power supply and
out the side ventilation slots.

For Operating Efficiency

SYSTEM SAVER contains two
switched power outlets. As shown
in the diagram, the SYSTEM
SAVER efficiently organizes your
system so that one convenient,

The heavy duty switch has a
pilot light to alert when system is
on .You'11 never use the Apple power
switch again!

Easy Installation

Compatible with Apple Stand

Just clips on.

No mounting or
hardware required.
Color matched
to Apple n.

PATENT PENDING

Suggested Retail £>QQ95
One Year Warranty O

Kensington Microware Ltd.
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New York, NY 10022
(212) 486-7707

KENSINGTON

MICROWARE

CIRCLE 199 ON READER SERVICE CARD

PRINTER

CES, continued...

tent forces in video games. Sega has al¬
ready licensed some games such as
Frogger, Zaxxon, and Carnival to other
game producers, but is now entering the
market with a line of their own. Initial
releases include Subterfuge, and Buck
Rogers ’ Marathon of Zenda, The Cav¬
erns of Zagreb, and The Secrets of Za¬
dar. Muffett is a cute cartoon game and
Airplane is also based on a humorous
theme.

Other games based on movies include
Marathon Man, War of the Worlds, Fri¬
day the 13th, The Wrath of Khan, and In
Search of Spock.

Konami is a major Japanese developer
of coin-op games, most of which are li¬
censed to other manufacturers to pro¬
duce. Now, Gakken, another Japanese
company, has licensed three Konami
games for VCS cartridges, PooYan,
Jungler, and Strategy X. Of the three,
Poo Yan is the cutest; you move a mother
pig up and down on a lift at the side of
the screen and she shoots arrows into
the balloons of ascending wolves. We
found it quite addictive.

Starpath showed three new games,
two of which use the proprietary Multi
Load system. Starpath games require a
device called a Supercharger which
plugs into the game cartridge slot on the
VCS and hooks to a standard cassette
tape recorder. In addition to loading
games, the Supercharger has 6K of
memory, a dramatic increase over the
128 bytes built into the VCS. This allows
impressive high resolution graphics and
more complex games.

Now Starpath has gone one step fur¬
ther and put a series of games on a single
cassette, each one of which adds new
characters, scoring, objectives and levels
of difficulty. Dragonstomper is a Multi
Load game in which the player must
first travel through a medieval land
gathering gold, strength, and wares. He
then goes on to a desert (second load),
and to the dragon’s cavern (third load).
The other Multi Load games is Escape
from the Mindmaster which is a 3-D
maze game similar to Way Out from Sir¬
ius for the Apple. Let’s take a breather
for another award.

Best T-Shirt Award

Actually, it is the only T-shirt award
and it goes to Starpath for their Killer
Satellites T-shirt. It is really gruesome
with an grayish olive satellite shaped like
a skull on a black shirt. The game is a
complex one in which you are defending
Mother Earth (of course) from nasty
killer satellites. You must evade meteors,
blast the satellites, preserve your fuel,
and keep your engines from overheating.
Whew!

auaa □□□□ qooi 0003

1003 ^

Astromusic plays on the expanded Intel-
livision.

Not to be outdone by Atari, Mattel
introduced an enormous number of new
games, add-ons, and other enhance¬
ments for Intellivision. In the way of
hardware, Mattel introduced new
packaging, calling it Intellivision II.
Distinguishing it from the original unit
are longer controller cables, easier cable
stowage, an off/on indicator lamp, and
some engineering modifications.

Perhaps more exciting was the sneak
preview of Intellivision III, a privilege
granted to selected members of the
press. We’re committed to secrecy, but
at least one gentlemen was heard to mut¬
ter, “it’ll blow Atari and Coleco right
out of the water.’’ Our opinion is that
other manufacturers probably aren’t go¬
ing to wait around to be blown out of the
water.

More tangible are several add-ons an¬
nounced for the existing Intellivision.
First is an adapter to allow Intellivision
to play Atari VCS cartridges. Second is a
computer adapter. This has an addi¬
tional 2K of RAM and 12K of ROM
which includes Basic. It also has an
interface to accept other peripherals, the
most improtant of which is a 49-key full
stroke keyboard. A program expansion
module contains 8K extended Basic and
16K of user RAM.

Another kind of keyboard similar to a
piano has 49 keys, and controls a six-
note polyphonic music synthesizer.

In support of these add-ons, Mattel
also announced a wide range of software
in four categories: education, Basic
programming, music, and super games.

Alphanumeric and music keyboards with
Intellivision II.

We didn’t think much of the 12 lines x
20 character resolution for text, but
some of the other software borders on
the fantastic, particularly that for music.

In the past, we’ve had a tough time
getting products for evaluation from
Mattel. That’s why you have never seen
an evaluation of Intellivision on these
pages. But we’ll try again and keep you
posted. In return, we present Mattel
with our

Are You Afraid of an
Evaluation? Award

Mattel also introduced 12 new
Intellivision games including Buzz
Bombers, BurgerTime, Loco-Motion,
Mission X, Advanced Dungeons & Drag¬
ons and seven more. Several use the
Intellivoice module and are almost scary
in the way they converse with you.

N.A.P. Consumer Electronics (for¬
merly Magnavox) introduced the Od¬
yssey Command Center which replaces
the membrane keyboard on the Od¬
yssey 2 with typewriter-like keys. This
seems to be in anticipation of a computer
programming module to be released in
the future, but it is also handy to use
with the new telecommunications mod¬
ule (modem).

Odyssey Command Center has typewriter¬
like keys.

The modem allows the Odyssey Com¬
mand Center to access information net¬
works such as The Source and Micronet
as well as communicate (in a rudi¬
mentary way) with other computers.

N.A.P. also introduced several new
games for both old and new Odyssey
systems, one of which garnered our

Most Annoying Tune Award

This award goes to Turtles, a delight¬
ful game in which you rescue baby tur¬
tles and use bug bombs to stop the
predator beetles. The original Konami
coin-op game plays a nice little tune as
you make your rounds. Even the Entex
handheld version plays the same cute
tune, albeit several octaves higher. But
on Odyssey, the tune is “sung’’ by the
Odyssey Voice unit in a nasal deep bass
voice. It’s enough to make you cringe.

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

HE HEAD
P OF THE

Give your child the thinking tools
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programs for your home from
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CAI programs come with a library of
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Head Start

Your child’s future begins with
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For the Apple 11/lie

CIRCLE 141 ON READER SERVICE CARD

You’ll find it wherever computergamers
go to score the latest and greatest in
entertainment software.

sellers like CHOPLIFTER. CASTLE
WOLFENSTEIN. AZTEC. STAR-
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The HOT RACK. It’s where the
“hot” ones are.

You’ll find games that’ll grab you,
thrill you, and hurl you to worlds you
never dreamed were possible. Best-

So, stop wasting your time and
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If you don’t see it, ask for it.

Dealer inquiries invited.

Dealers only, call 800 432-3129 (Inside California) or 800 854-6801 (Outside California).

Another marketing first from MICRO D.

CIRCLE 212 ON READER SERVICE CARD

CES, continued...

Other new Odyssey games include
Pick Axe Pete, Freedom Fighters, Attack
of the Timelord (Dave’s favorite), Killer
Bees, Baseball and Smithereens
(phenomenal graphics).

Perhaps the game companies figure
that you are nothing if you don’t have a
simulated voice unit. Hopping on the
voice bandwagon is Vectrex, but the ap¬
proach is entirely different from the oth¬
ers. In particular, the Spike game
cartridge contains the software to let the
(Vectrex unit itself “speak.” Spike talks
to you as you try to rescue his girlfriend
Molly from arch fiend Spud. It’s quite a
departure from the current Vectrex
games.

Other new ones for this amazing self-
contained vector graphics system in¬
clude Web Warp, Bedlam, Fortress of
Narzoid, Flip Out Pinball, and Heads-Up
Soccer.

Coleco had virtually their entire booth
devoted to ColecoVision, and with good
reason. With the VCS adapter, this sys¬
tem has got to be the most versatile one
around. New games included Donkey
Kong Jr., and Rocky Battles for
ColecoVision and several for
Intellivision. Not that all is roses, how¬
ever, since the Coleco controller is the
pits. We usually plug in a decent Atari-
type controller (D-Zyne SuprStick or the
Newport joystick) and double the scores
we can get on Lady Bug with the Coleco
toy control. Nevertheless, ColecoVision
is great. It is then, with mixed feelings
that we present to Coleco the

Worst Controller
for a Great System Award

Another new game system called
CreatiVision was announced by Hong
Kong based Video Technology. The
specifications are excellent as is the
price. However, we have found from bit¬
ter experience that these systems some¬
times just don’t get into the retail

market. Let’s hope that this one does
since, in addition to being an excellent
game unit, it can expand into a full-
fledged computer system. We’ll report
further when we get a production model.

Emerson was also showing some new
games for their Arcadia 2001 unit, but,
like Mattel, Emerson has been unwilling
or too disorganized to lend us a unit for
evaluation. We asked again at the show
for a loaner; we’ll see.

Before we move away from the game
manufacturers, we should present an
award which must be shared by two
companies. It is the

Back From Bankruptcy
Award

This is shared by Astrocade and
Apollo, both of whom had some finan¬
cial problems but at the show looked as
robust and energetic as ever. Perhaps
“lean but mean” would be a better
description. Our best wishes to both
companies.

Game Controls, Trak Balls
and Other Accessories

So you’ve got all these games and the
cartridge slot on your VCS is showing
signs of wear—some of the games are
too. For around $60 you can get a
Videoplexer from Compro Electronics.
It plugs into the VCS—there is an
Intellivision version too—and eight
games plug into it. Each game can be se¬
lected from the membrane keyboard on
the front. Now you can leave in a few
favorites and plug the less frequently
used games in the back slots. Neat, eh?

Love that trak-ball controller on
Centipede? So do we. Several years ago,
we were in the Atari R & D center and
saw some prototype trak-ball control¬
lers. Some were the size of grapefruit,
others were smaller than golf balls. At
the time, we kind of understood the con¬
cept when they explained it, but couldn’t
really see the advantage. So we won’t
even try to explain a trak-ball in words.
If you don’t know what one is, take a
handful of quarters and play Centipede
or Kickman, then come back to this.
Now you see why everyone is rushing to
get trak-balls into production for home
use.

At CES, four manufacturers were
showing trak-ball controls. Actually,
only Atari can use the trademarked
trak-ball name; the others must call
them track balls. Atari was showing a
trak-ball for both the 5200 (in an all-in-
one game control center) and the 2600
VCS. We can see why the release date
isn’t until mid-year; while they both had
great feel, they also occasionally hung
up the game that was being played. We
were going for an all-time high score (for

Trak-ball controller for the Atari 5200.

us) in Centipede when the game hung up
and had to be restarted.

Atari also introduced a kid’s control¬
ler to go with a the CCW educational
game series. Basically the controller is a
12-key 5 X 7-inch keyboard. Each game
comes with a special pictorial overlay.

Atari also promises us an improved
Proline Joystick to replace the existing
stick—but not until June or later. Can’t
wait? That’s okay; there are plenty of
other excellent sticks on the market.
Many were discussed in our roundup in
the September issue and some new ones
are mentioned below. Or, if you have a
sick Atari joystick, Atari just announced
a joystick repair kit. Also, most Atari
dealers will have a test console to di¬
agnose VCS problems—kind of like the
tube checkers in many electronics retail¬
ers years ago. Meanwhile, back to trak-
balls.

TG introduced the TB-600 Track Ball
which, according to their literature, “is
modeled after the $1200 Track Balls
used to train U.S. astronauts.” Well,
maybe, but we suspect that the coin-op
arcade games may have had a small in¬
fluence too. The action is much stiffer
than that of the Atari unit, but once you
get used to it, you find that you can ad¬
just. The TG unit electrically simulates a
joystick, hence it can be used in place of
a joystick (potentiometer type) on Apple
and IBM computer games. We are
promised a version shortly for Atari and

and IBM computers.

CES, continued...

Vic 20 computers, the Atari VCS and
NEC PC-6000. At a retail price of only
$64.95, we can’t wait.

TG also introduced an , improved
model of their first joystick. This one has
a pair of pushbuttons on the top panel
that can be used to defeat or turn on the
auto self-centering. Very nice.

Is it time for another award? Sure is.
This one is the

Best Track Ball
Without Software Award

It goes to Wico Corporation for their
Command Control Trackball. It is a
marvelous unit with an optical scanner,
microprocessor and solid steel bearings.
Wico, as a major manufacturer of coin¬
op game controls, has made their home
track ball unit along similar lines. Only
one problem. Nobody is writing software
for such a unit. Wico hopes they will
someday, but today there is not a great
deal of use for this unit.

Wico analog joystick is available for many
computers.

Not so for the Wico line of joysticks.
Wico makes a broad line of top quality
joysticks for the Apple, Atari, Vic 20,
TRS-80 Color Computer, IBM PC, and
Atari 5200. They boast top firing but¬
tons, contoured handgrips, interchange¬
able grips and the like—most
impressive. Watch for our playtesting of
the Wico controls in an upcoming issue.

Another Track Ball was introduced
by HAL Laboratory. It gets our

Worst Translation Award

The GTX Track-Ball is available for
the Apple and Vic. HAL, a Japanese
company, also makes “softwares for
game’’ and a programmable character
generator for CBM and Pet computers.
Here is the description of this product

direct from their flyer. “Generally, the
personal computer has been equipped in¬
side (character generator) as ROM. and
it generates some fixed characters like
A,B,C,.. .and etc. whenever to be sup¬
plied the power, so that if to be put
RAM in place of ROM, it will be sure to
make the ability of the personal com¬
puter more flexible, and also it enable
the personal computer to display freely
various character patterns such as
Alphabet, Japan-ese, Video game use
character and so on.’’ It goes on, but we
won’t. Hope their track ball works.

In addition to Wico, several other
manufacturers of coin-op game controls
are moving into the home market. Coin
Controls, Inc. introduced the Com¬
petition-Pro Joystick while Newport
showed improved versions of the con¬
trols we liked so much in our test last
September. Questar Controls also in¬
troduced a line of controls and repair
parts, one of which takes an award.

Joystick Bigger Than
the Computer Award

Three joystick console controls from
Questar measure a gargantuan 12-% x 8
x 3 inches. This isn’t as bad as it sounds.
If you play like we do, your left hand
gets a real workout from holding the
joystick still while the right hand does
the maneuvering (or vice versa). This
control stays put; we like that. Also, the
Questar units have big 1" diameter firing
buttons; we like that too. Joe Vermeren
gave us one to try out; watch for a re¬
view in an upcoming issue.

Questar II Joystick console.

Another nifty device announced by
Questar is an automatic rapid fire mod¬
ule. This plugs in between the joystick
and game and can be set for any rate of
continuous rapid fire. This is very useful
for annihilating aliens with a continuous
beam of devastation.

Another continuous fire control, but
with a non-adjustable rate of fire was an¬
nounced by Discwasher. Discwasher?
Aren’t they the record care folks? Yes,
but they have seen the light and have
brought to market the PointMaster Pro
tournament joystick with thumb trigger

firing button and contoured handgrip
along with the PointMaster Fire Con¬
trol. David Howe gave us one of each;
watch these pages for an in-depth
evaluation.

Zircon has improved the design of
their Video Command handheld joystick
with the addition of a continuous fire
button built right in to the control han¬
dle. Tom Larsen, Zircon’s friendly VP of
sales gave us a sample so we’ll have a
real test coming up soon.

Electra Concepts also showed a new
joystick with an index finger trigger and
contoured grip. We hope to try it soon
also.

Kraft Atari-type joystick features fingertip
control.

Our friends at Kraft have gone a dif¬
ferent route with a fast action, short
throw Atari-type joystick with a small
fingertip control similar to that on the
Kraft Apple joystick. You’ll recall from
the September issue that we liked the
Kraft joystick with its adjustable x and y
axis trim controls and switches to select
either self-centering or free-floating
operation.

Human Engineered Software, a maker
of Vic 20 software, introduced the
Hestick I for Atari, Vic and other simi¬
lar units. It has sleek styling and the
price is right ($7.95). When we get one,
we’ll let you know how it performs in
tough game play.

Kraft also introduced an Apple soft¬
ware disk that permits a joystick to con¬
trol the movement of the cursor in
VisiCalc calculations. This is a real joy
as it eliminates the need to press the
spacebar constantly to change the direc¬
tion of cursor movement. The program
adds some other enhancements as well;
watch for a complete review.

Earl Laskey Video introduced a
ColecoVision replacement joystick
which, as we said above, is really needed.
It is not a total unit; rather it simply re¬
places the joystick portion of the Coleco
unit just like Laskey^ conversion for
Intellivision, the Injoy-A-Stick. When
we get one, we’ll let you know how it is.

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

RANDOM ACCESS IN
A PRINTING BUFFER?

-M

'*>«*•
***70 a
'«•»! i«
**ti.7t

•7*4 7*

Introducing...

The IS PipeLine* Random Access Printing Buffer.

Insert pictures, graphics or spread-sheet data into reports. Duplicate
form letters—automatically changing addresses on each. Now, all
your programs can work together to produce printed output.

For the first time ever, here is a buffer that not only frees your fast com¬
puter from your slow printer but also allows you to rearrange, compose
and copy your data on its way to the printer.

■ Random Access Printing—stores paragraphs or pictures for printing
in any order—any number of times.

■ FIFO Printing—conventional first-in first-out operation.

■ Compression of data for efficient utilization of memory space.

■ Ability to interrupt long-term buffer operations for straight-thru short¬
term printing.

■ Simple Erase feature to clear buffer.

■ Automatic duplication capability.

■ Easily expandable, by you, from 8K Bytes to 128K Bytes.

The IS PipeLine is Universal—it works with any parallel (Centronics* —
style) computer/printer combination. A special version is available for
PKASO™ Printer Interfaces.

The IS PipeLine is a self-contained unit with operating manual, qables
and power supply included.

For more information on the truly revolutionary IS PipeLine Random
Access Printing Buffer, call us today.

Interactive Structures Inc.
146 Montgomery Avenue
Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
Telephone: (215) 667-1713

‘Centronics is o trademark of Centronics Data Computer Corp

CIRCLE 192 ON READER SERVICE CARD The IS Pipeline™ Random Access Printing Buffer is patent pending.

I 'kWA

NOW. PLATO Basic Skills.

NOW. PLATO High School Skills.
Both for use with TI99/4A.*

Control Data and Texas Instruments are
working together to make this nationally
recognized PLATO courseware available
via microcomputers.

Control Data's PLATO Basic Skills is a com¬
prehensive curriculum designed to enhance
the development of elementary and junior
high Reading, Math and Grammar skills.

Control Data's PLATO High School Skills

help high school level students master Reading,
English, Math, Social Studies and Science. It
has been used to assist students preparing for
G.E.D. exams.

*For Basic and High School Skills pricing and order
information, write: Texas Instruments, Education
Department, Box 53, Lubbock, TX 79408.

PLATO WIDENS
YOUR CHILD S WORLD

Announcing new educational courseware
for microcomputers to improve your child's
Basic Skills, High School Skills or Foreign Language vocabulary.

NEW! Nine lessons in
Foreign Languages for
use with Apple II Plus.

Three lessons each for French,
Spanish and German. Each
lesson uses a hangman or
pyramid game to help children
learn words most associated
with defined activities. For
junior or senior high students.

Travel Words: Children study
French, Spanish or German
words they need to know to
buy train, plane or bus tickets,-
order in a restaurant,- request
medical assistance,- read street
signs,- etc.

Shopping Words: Children
study French, Spanish or Ger¬
man words they need to know
to shop for food, clothing, etc.

Classroom Words: Children
study the French, Spanish or
German words that are common
to the school environment.

Lessons Available
For Apple II Plus,

TI99/4A* and Atari 800.

Basic Number Facts: Practice
in addition without carrying;
subtraction without borrowing;
and multiplication/division
with single digits. For elemen¬
tary students.

Whole Numbers: Practice in
addition, subtraction, multi¬
plication, division and mixed
numbers. For elementary and
junior high students.

Decimals: Practice locating
decimal numbers on the number
line. For elementary students.

Fractions: Same skill level and
format as decimals.

Computer Literacy—Intro¬
duction: For jr. or sr. high
and vocational school students.

Physics—Elementary
Mechanics: Students are
shown a physical problem, then
must "purchase" the missing
information to answer it
correctly. For senior high
physics students.

French, German, Spanish
Vocabulary Builders: Gives
children a basic vocabulary of
500 words. Supplements intro¬
ductory and refresher courses.

^Courseware for TI 99/4A available
May 31,1983.

INTRODUCTORY

OFFERING:

• Single lesson, $45.00

• Additional lessons, $35.00 ea.

• Additional disk included
with each lesson ordered at
no extra charge

• 10 day money-back trial _

SEND FOR PLATO
COURSEWARE CATALOG

For a free copy of our PLATO
catalog, or to order, mail reply
card; call toll-free 800/233-3784;
or write Control Data Publish¬
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Diego, CA 92126. In California,
call 800/233-3785.

€§>

CONTRPL DATA
PUBLISHING

PLATO

COMPUTER-BASED EDUCATION

CIRCLE 317 ON READER SERVICE CARD

CES, continued...

Turn Your VCS Into a Computer

The vogue among many manufac¬
turers today seems to be to offer a dual
purpose system (video game player and
a computer)—witness Intellivision II,
the Odyssey Command Center,
CreatiVision, and others. Frankly, we
don’t think this makes much sense.
Given the low price of game systems and
computers (more of which later), we
think most people can afford, and would
be better off getting, both a game system
and one or more computers.

However, it seems that some manu¬
facturers feel otherwise. And naturally
the main target for third party conver¬
sions is the Atari VCS. No fewer than
four units were announced to convert
the VCS into a real computer.

Entex announced the 2000 Piggyback.
It has a big 70-key full stroke keyboard,
3K of RAM (expandable to 19K), and
built-in Basic. Ten educationally-ori¬
ented software packages were also an¬
nounced including Speed Reading,
Beginning Algebra, Number Games and
Spelling I. Expected retail price is
around $130.

Unitronics showed a two-step expan¬
sion system. The Expander has 16K of
RAM and a tape cassette mechanism to
permit loading cassette games into the
VCS much like the Starpath Super¬
charger (but, of course, the games aren’t
compatible). The second unit is a 55-key
keyboard. A few games for the system
were shown, but unfortunately, very lit¬
tle hard information was available about
the system.

Spectra Video announced the
CompuMate which sits on top of a VCS
and converts it into a computer.
CompuMate has a 42-key touch sen¬
sitive keyboard, 2K of RAM, cassette
interface, built-in Magic Easel program
for drawing pictures, and built-in music
composer program with two octave/two

Entex 2000 Piggyback turns a VCS into a

channel capability. Projected retail is

$ 100 .

Emerson was showing a prototype all-
in-one unit with 16K of RAM, 57-key
full-stroke keyboard plus a 2-key
numeric/control keypad, sound/voice
synthesizer, built-in Basic, cassette, disk
and printer interfaces, and, best of all,
the ability to run Atari 400/800 soft¬
ware. Memory is expandable to 48K.
Projected price is under $150.

On Feb. 9, Atari announced their own
VCS computer add-on; see page 276.

So You Want To Write Your Own
VCS Games

If you want to write games for the
VCS, you can go the low road or the
high road. The low road is a PGP-1
from Answer Software Corporation.
Like the four VCS-computer converters
described above, the PGP-1 plugs into
the Atari VCS. You then plug any VCS
game into the PGP-1 and you can mod¬
ify it in practically any way you want.
No, it’s not Basic since games are pro¬
grammed in 6502 machine code, but by
following the relatively straightforward
directions on the screen and in the man¬
ual, you can change the patterns of alien
movement, alter mazes, and add ele¬
ments of your own. The game cartridge,
of course, is not changed and, at the mo¬
ment, there is no way of storing your fin¬
ished game.

Answer Software also announced a
new game, Malagai, a Pac-maze type of
game with several interesting twists.

Frobco announced the Frob-26 game
development system. It consists of a card
to plug into an Apple computer, an in-
circuit emulation cable that plugs into
the VCS, two prototype VCS cartridges,
a disk, and a reference manual. The soft¬
ware has three main components: a real¬
time debugger, the “Explorer” which
lets you control all the VCS hardware
registers in real-time, and a set of utility
subroutines. Price for the Frob-26 sys¬
tem is $495.

computer.

Ed Krakauer, president of General Con¬
sumer Electronics and Betsy Staples,
editor of Creative Computing. We pre¬
sented an award to GCE for making two
games (Vectrex and Game Time Watch)
that were used in the Gamester of the
Year competition sponsored by Video &
Arcade Games magazine.

The Frob system lets you develop VCS
games on an Apple.

A game development system for the
Atari 5200, expanded memory systems,
EPROM burners, and other related
components are also available from
Frobco.

Unitronics ’ VCS Expander includes a cas¬
sette loader/memory unit and a keyboard.

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

The new COMPAQ Portable Computer.
IBM compatibility to go.

Portable as a
mobile unit that
can use the same pro¬
grams, the same data disks, and
even the same user manuals.

There are more programs
available for the COMPAQ Com¬
puter than for any other portable.
More, in fact, than for most non¬
portables. You can buy them in
hundreds of computer stores
nationwide, and they run as is,
right off the shelf.

With most other portables

you’d probably need to buy an
additional display screen because
the built-in screen is too small for
certain tasks, like word process¬
ing. The COMPAQ Computer’s
display screen is nine inches diag¬
onally, big enough for any job, and
it shows a full 80 characters across.
And the built-in display offers
high-resolution graphics and text
characters on the same screen.

The bottom line is this. The
COMPAQ Computer is the first
uncompromising portable
computer. It delivers
all the advantages
of porta¬
bility

without trad¬
ing off any com¬
puting power capability.
And what do those advantages

cost?

Nothing.

The COMPAQ Por¬
table sells for hundreds
less than a compara¬
bly equipped IBM or
APPLE® III. Standard
features include 128K
bytes of internal memory
and a 320K-byte disk drive,
both of which are extra-cost
options on the IBM. Memory
and additional disk drive up¬
grades are available options to
double those capacities.

In the standard configuration,
the COMPAQ Computer has three
open slots for functional expan¬
sion electronics as your needs
and applications grow. It accepts
standard network and commu¬
nications interfaces including
ETHERNET™ and OMNINET™.

If you’re considering a per¬
sonal computer, there’s a new
question you need to ask your¬
self. Why buy a com¬

puter that
isn’t portable?
For more
information on
the COMPAQ
Portable Computer
and the location of the
Authorized Dealer nearest
you, write us. COMPAQ
Computer Corporation, 12330
Perry Road, Houston, Texas
77070. Or call 1-800-231-9966. In
Texas call 1-800-392-4726.

IBM® is a registered trademark of International Business

Machines Corporation.

ETHERNET™ is a trademark of Xerox Corporation.
OMNINET™ is a trademark of Corvus Systems.

Apple® is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.
COMPAQ™ is a trademark of COMPAQ Computer
Corporation

I imple, isn’t it? The COMPAQ™
Portable Computer can do
I what the IBM® Personal
Computer does. To go.

It runs all the popular pro¬
grams written for the IBM. It
works with the same printers and
other peripherals. It even accepts
the same optional expansion elec¬
tronics that give it additional
capabilities and functionality.

There’s really only one big dif¬
ference. The COMPAQ Computer
is designed to travel.

Carry the COMPAQ Comput¬
er from office to office. Carry it
home on the weekend. Or take it
on business trips.

If you’re a consultant, take it
to your client’s office.

If you use a portable type¬
writer, you can use the
COMPAQ Computer as a
portable word processor
instead.

If your company
already uses the
IBM Personal
Computer, add
the COMPAQ

camPAa.

Portable Computer

The most computer you can carry.

CIRCLE 139 ON READER SERVICE CARD

For years, people have been
trying to build a better Apple" II.

It finally happened.

Meet the Apple He, an
impressive new version of a
most impressive machine.

The “e” means enhanced.
Which means a bundle of new
features:

A standard memory of 64K
(versus 48K) that’s easily

expandable. So you can create
fatter files and crunch larger
numbers of numbers.

A new, improved keyboard,
with a complete set of ASCII
standard characters. Plus full
cursor controls, programmable
function keys, and a rapid
auto-repeat feature built into
every key on the board.

Both upper and lower case

characters. (And if you want
to see more of them on the
screen at one time, a low cost
80-column text card is available.)

Improved peripheral ports.
Which make it a lot easier to
connect and disconnect game
controllers, printers and all
those other wonderful things
that go with an Apple Personal
Computer.

Except for the front,
back and inside.

QiaBSiS,

MOTHER BOAP.D

BACK PANEL4 PERIPHERAL POR TS

Self-diagnostics. That’s a
special feature that makes it
easy to give your computer a
thorough check-up.

Plus an even more reliable
design. Achieved by reducing
the number of components—
which is to say, the number of
things that could go wrong.

And bear in mind, the He
still has all those other virtues
that made the Apple II so very
popular. Including access to
more accessories, peripheral
devices and software than any
other personal computer you
can buy.

So visit any of our over 1300

authorized dealers, and see the
newest Apple for yourself.

Like the original, it’s rather
extraordinary. But then some
things never change.

_appkz

The most personal computer.

Call ( 800 ) 5 . 38-9696 for the location of the authorized Apple dealer nearest you, or. for information regarding corporate purchases through our National Account Program
In California ( 800 ) 662 - 9238 . Or write Apple Computer Inc., Advertising and Promotion Dept.. 20525 Mariani Ave., Cupertino. CA 95014 ©1983 Apple Computer Inc.

CIRCLE 108 ON READER SERVICE CARD

CES, continued...

Mabel, You Won’t Believe These
Computer Prices

The first day and a half at CES, we
hardly got out of our own booth. Every
so often, someone would come by and
say, “Didja see the new (fill in the blank)
computer? It’s just $150.” (Or $100, or
$199, etc.) Our mouths were watering by
the time we finally got out on the show
floor. And with good reason.

When the dust finally settled, we
counted four new computers under
$100, three more under $200, two under
$300, one at $349, and several more un¬
der $1000. Add this to the existing units
under $1000 and you are faced with a
bewildering array of choices. Our opin¬
ion is that it won’t be long before people
recognize the advantage of having sev¬
eral computers, one for each family
member or one for each application.

For example, we do word processing
and spreadsheet calculations on one
computer, use a battery-powered unit
when we travel, have two computers for
games, and still another for the kids.

With the prices continuing to plummet,
it won’t be long before people in all
walks of life (and not just those in the in¬
dustry) can afford multiple computers
and game systems.

With the more-or-less permanent $15
rebate, the Timex Sinclair 1000 is still
the low priced leader (suggested list
$100 less $15 rebate equals $85). Com¬
mon street price in the New York area is
closer to $70 after the rebate.

A Sinclair look-alike called the Futura
8300 was announced by Unisonic. It gets
two(!) awards.

License? What License?
Award

Since this is an exact clone of the
Timex Sinclair 1000, we asked the Chi¬
nese manufacturer if they were licensed
by Sinclair to offer the same Basic. “No,
why should we be?” The main improve¬
ment on the Futura compared to the
1000 is that it has real keys instead of a
membrane keyboard. That’s nice. So is
the price—expected to be around $90.

Support is another story. We asked a

gentleman from Unisonic whom we
should contact for more information.
His annoyed reply was, “We don’t have
anyone to deal with the press.”

“How can we get a unit for
evaluation?” We asked, reminding him
that we publish SYNC magazine. “Buy
one,” he said as he walked away. Thus,
we give Unisonic our

Support? What Support?
Award

However, if Unisonic is doing things
wrong, Texas Instruments is doing them
right. The newly introduced TI 99/2
computer is nicely styled, has a TI-9995
16-bit mpu, 4.2K of RAM, a whopping
24K of ROM with TI Basic, and 16
built-in graphics characters. Support is
unbelievable for a new product and thus
TI gets our

Best Support For a
New Product Award

No fewer than 19 software packages

PRICE

This chart shows two gaps in the continuum of price and per¬
formance Of computers, one at around $200 and another at
$700-800. The lower gap was totally erased by the new
machines introduced at CES. With seven computers under
$200 and the announcement of Vic and Atari price reductions,
there is continuous overlap from $65 to $600. The price

reduction on the Atari 800 and the new Atari 1200XL fall in
the upper gap, however, we expect to see more entries before
long.

The chart is from Future Views ($365per year), 900 Canyon
Creek Road, Richardson, TX 75080.

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

FRANKLIN'S BAKER’S
» DOZEN!

r-ijisr

.§ k •

r r-

13 Good Reasons to Buy

"“ACE1200

1. Apple® 11-compatible

2. CP/M®-compatible

3. 128K of RAM

4. Built-in floppy disk drive

5 . Disk controller

6. 80 column card

7. Serial interface

8. Parallel interface

9. Upper and lower case

10. VisiCalc® keys

11. Cursor control pad

12. Numeric pad
1^. Auto repeat keys

Extras can more than double the price of your per¬
sonal computer. Npt so with the Franklin ACE 1200.
It’s the professional computer system that includes
the extras—and a long list of exclusive Franklin ,
features that make it the most extraordinary value on
the market today.

the Apple II. And, with the built-in CP/M card, you
can run both Apple II and CP/M programs. Franklin’s
CP/M operates three times as fast as many com¬
peting systems, drastically reducing processing
time for most business applications.

The Franklin ACE 1200 —the most extraordinary value
.. on the market today. Cal I or write today for

tj the name of your local authorized Franklin

dealer.

Franklin ACE is a trademark of Franklin Computer Corporation.
Apple is a registered trademark of Apple Computer Inc.
CP/M is a registered trademark of Digital Research Inc.
VisiCalc is a registered trademark of Visi Corp.

The ACE 1200 has everything you II need
to add a color or black and white monitor,
modem, printer, back-up disk drive and
other accessories. You can choose from
the enormous selection of Apple programs
and peripherals because the ACE 1200 is
hardware- and software-compatible with

FRANKLIN

COMPUTER CORPORATION

7030 Colonial Highway, Pennsauken, NJ 08109 609-488-1700
CIRCLE 168 ON READER SERVICE CARD

CES, continued...

77 99/2 computer sells for $100.

were announced for the 99/2 in three
areas: entertainment, education, and
information management. We are very
impressed with the 99/2 in all respects
except one. And for that one, we give TI
our

Rubber Keybounce Award

It was probably because the units at
the show were prototypes, but it was
quite impossible to type with any speed
due to the keybounce. One would think
that TI would have learned their lesson
about yucky keyboards after the debacle
with the original 99/4 keyboard, but
we’ll give them the benefit of the doubt
on this one and trust that production
units will be better than the prototypes.
Price of the 99/2 is a delightful $100.

TI introduced a second new com¬
puter, the Compact Computer 40 (CC-
40), a unit aimed at the professional
user. Like the Epson HX-20, the CC-40
has an integrated LCD display (only 31
characters) and runs on batteries (200
hours on four alkaline AA cells). The
CC-40 has 34K of ROM with extended
Basic, 6K of RAM (expandable to 128K
thanks to the 16-bit processor), a 65-key
keyboard (no keybounce on this one),
and a full range of peripherals (usable on
both the CC-40 and 99/2). Price of the
CC-40 is $249.95.

The peripherals require the addition
of a Hex-bus peripheral interface. The
peripherals being shown included an RS-
232 interface ($100), printer/plotter

TI CC-40 computer is aimed at profes¬
sionals.

with four-color capability on 2-Vi" pa¬
per ($200), and Wafertape digital tape
drive similar to the Exatron Stringy
Floppy ($139).

Again, software support is excellent
with 22 packages being announced at the
show. Eight were solid state plug-in car¬
tridges and 14 were on Wafertape. Prices
range from $19.95 to $124.95. Another
75 packages are promised by the third
quarter of 1983.

Milton Bradley voice recognition unit for
TI 99/4A computer.

While we’re talking about TI, we
should mention the voice recognition
peripheral for the TI 99/4A computer
just announced by Milton Bradley. Jim
O’Connell, M-B’s vice president of
R&D, pulled us into a soundproof
booth, donned a headset and micro¬
phone (which come with the unit) and
proceeded to train the computer how to
play baseball. Initially, we were ready to
give this our

Can’t Tell First Base
From Third Base Award

but Jim got it going so that he could di¬
rect a player to catch a ball and throw it
to the right base. The unit comes with a
64-position key pad with overlays for
each cartridge, a triple-axis joystick and
a headset/microphone. No price as yet.
Mattel announced the Aquarius com-

Hey, I really like this rubber computer!

Mattel Aquarius system includes com¬
puter, printer, recorder, expander and
game controllers.

puter which, with 4K of RAM, is ex¬
pected to sell for $200. The array of
peripherals for Aquarius is impressive.
Immediately available are a thermal
printer, cassette data recorder, memory
expanders, and an interface unit with a
pair of game controllers. Eight more
peripherals were announced for ship¬
ment in late 1983.

Aquarius uses a subset of Microsoft
Basic and can also run several special
Logo cartridges. Twelve game programs,
four Logo programs and three house¬
hold management programs were being
demonstrated. Many more programs are
in the planning stage, one of which
should probably be dropped. We give it
our

Typing Teachers Will
Hate This Award

A typing tutor was announced for
Aquarius. The only problem is that the
computer uses those little rubber keys
and does not have a space bar. Instead,
there is a space key located on the bot¬
tom row next to the Z where you would
expect to find a Shift key. The Shift key
is located next to the A, and, in place of
the right hand Shift, we find the Return
key. It is not a fun keyboard for touch
typists.

Sanyo was showing two prototype
units, the PHC 20 for $99 and the PHC
25 for $199. Both use Microsoft Basic,
although the PHC 20 uses a small subset
while on the 25, it is much more com¬
plete. The other major difference be¬
tween the two units is that the 25 has a
high resolution display with eight colors
and three sound channels while the 20 is
a silent, low resolution, b&w unit. Un¬
fortunately, we couldn’t get as much
information on the Sanyo computers as
we would have liked since the designer
was the only knowledgeable person in
the booth, and he barely spoke English.
Thus, we give Sanyo our

Not Quite Finished Award

Video Technology had a mini-booth,
but a maxi-product, the VZ200. The unit
has Microsoft Basic in a 12K ROM, 4K

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

How to chart your company’s fortune
without spending one

It’s a fact. A single chart or graph can tell you instantly what it
takes hours to interpret from printouts or other raw data.

Now, with the Strobe 100 Graphics Plotter and Software
package, you can create superb hardcopy graphics directly
from your computer. And you can do it for a fraction of the cost
of most other systems.

The Strobe System transforms complex data into
dynamic, colorful visuals with a
few simple commands from your
computer. Charts and transparen¬
cies that once took hours to pro¬
duce are plotted within minutes.

Information can be presented as
bar charts, pie charts, curves or
isometrics in a variety of colors.

And with a resolution of 500
points per inch, the Strobe 100
matches or surpasses the quality
of plotters costing thousands of
dollars more.

You can also save and modify your graphics through
Strobe’s menu-driven programs. A broad selection of
software—including data base management-compatible
programs—is now available.

When the Strobe Graphics System is interfaced to your
computer, an 8-1/2 x 11 inch sheet of paper can speak any¬
one’s language—visually Visit your local dealer and learn
how to start charting your for¬
tunes today. Because a perspective
on the present can also be your
window on the future.

Strobe Inc.

897-5A Independence Avenue
Mountain View, CA 94043
Telephone 415/969-5130

The Strobe Graphics System

Seeing is believing

CIRCLE 286 ON READER SERVICE CARD

CES, continued...

New

Computers

MPU

Built-in RAM Memory
Expandable To
Built-in ROM Memory
Type of Basic
Number of Keys
Standard Layout?
One-Stroke Basic Cmds?
Upper and Lower Case
Graphics Characters
Text Resolution
(Chars X Rows)
Resolution (Pixels)
Colors

Sound Channels
Octave Range
Cassette Baud Rate
Serial Ports (RS-232)
Parallel Ports
Parallel Protocol
Dimensions (Width X
Depth X Height)
Retail Price

Unisonic

Texas

Futura

Instruments

8300

99/2

Z80A

9995

4.2K

32K

36.2K

24K

Sinclair

No spcbar

Yes

32 X 24

28 X 24

64 X 48

256 X 192

B & W

n/a

250

1200

optional

Hex bus

n/a

Hex bus

n/a

$90

$100

Video

Sanyo

Technology

VZ200

PHC20

Z80A

64K

16K

12K

Microsoft

No spcbar

Yes

32 X 16

128 X 64

64 X 64

B & W

n/a

600

1200

optional

Centronics

n/a

11.5 X

11.8X

6.3 X 2.0

6.3 X 1.6

$99

of RAM expandable to 64K, eight col¬
ors, and one sound channel. Although
the screen is medium resolution (128 x
64 pixels), the 64 built-in graphics
characters permit excellent graphics to
be displayed. A built-in cassette interface
and optional Centronics parallel inter¬
face help make VZ200 the sleeper of the
show at just $99!

If you’ve been reading Creative
Computing faithfully, you saw our in-
depth review of the Sinclair Spectrum
introduced in England about a year ago.
Now, Timex has brought it to the U.S.
as the Timex 2000. It carries a list price
of $149 for the 16K model and $199 for
the 48K one.

The 2000 is an outstanding computer
with 40 real keys, eight-color high
resolution display (256 x 192 pixels),
ten-octave sound channel (one of us
can’t hear that much!), upper and lower
case, and 16 graphics characters. Our
only disappointment is that it does not
have a space bar and thus, like the
Aquarius, cannot be used for touch
typing.

Timex also announced the 2040
printer, a 32-column thermal unit that
uses white paper (not the silver stuff of
the previous Sinclair printer). It works
on both the 1000 and 2000 and costs
$99.

At this point it is probably appro¬
priate to announce the

We’re Number 1 Award

Three manufacturers tried to lay
claim to this award before we even an¬
nounced it. Commodore, having just
produced their 1,000,000th Vic 20
claimed to be Number 1. TI pooh-
poohed that and claimed that the 99/4A
had made them Number 1. Clive Sin¬
clair was having none of it and claimed
that he had been Number 1 for ages.
Who is really Number 1?

In terms of sheer number of units,
Sinclair is if you add together those sold
under both the Sinclair and Timex
names (which we think is reasonable to
do). If you insist on just one brand, then
the Commodore Vic 20 is the leader. By
next year, who can say? Maybe TI will
claim the Number 1 spot.

IBM, of course, was keeping a low
profile. However, we’re sure they would
insist that dollar volume is a better mea¬
sure, in which case they are clearly it.
Despite having a fair size booth, IBM
was not the hit of CES. Quite the con¬
trary, particularly since several trade
magazines had predicted that IBM was
about to release a consumer computer at
CES (they didn’t). One even went so far
as to put it on the front page of their
daily publication on the last day of CES.
For this, they and IBM must share the

Computer?

What Computer? Award

Back to Sinclair printers and
peripherals. Mindware introduced one
of the strangest devices at the show, the
Sidewinder, a sideways printer for Sin¬
clair computers. It is also available for
the Vic 20, TI 99/4A, Atari and any
computer with an RS-232 serial
interface.

Sidewinder uses l- 3 / 4 " adding ma¬
chine paper with a dot matrix print
mechanism that allows reproducing ma¬
terial wider than the computer display
by generating a 12-line printout that
runs lengthwise on the paper. Price of
the MW-100 is just $139.95.

Data-assette showed several new add¬
ons and software packages for

Video Tech VZ200 is a great bargain at $99.

Timex 2000 computer.

April 1983 ° Creative Computing

Sanyo

Timex

Mattel

Texas

Spectra

Panasonic

PHC25

Sinclair

Aquarius

Instruments Video

JR-200

2000

CC-40

SV-318

Z80A

9995

Z804

6802

16K

32K

48K

52K

128K

32K

24K

16K

32K

16K

Microsoft

Sinclair

Microsoft

Yes

No spcbar

Yes

16 (35)

170?

32 X 16

32 X 24

40 X 24

,40 X 24

40 X 24

32 X 24

256 X 192

320 X 192

256 X 192

64 X 48

1 (2 opt)

n/a

1200

1500

1200

300/1200

2400

optional

Hex bus

optional

n/a

Hex bus

Centronics

Sinclair

n/a

Centronics

11.8X

9.2X

13.0X

9.5 X

n/a

13.8X

6.3 X 2.0

5.6 X 1.2

6.0 X 2.0

5.7 X 1.0

8.2 X 2.2

$199

$149

$200

$249

$299

$349

Timex/Sinclair computers (read all
about them in the big SYNC directory
issue). Also at their booth was the Ju¬
piter Ace computer. While outwardly it
resembles a Sinclair with real keys, in¬
side it speaks Forth rather than Basic.
Forth aficionados will tell you, usually
with no prompting, that Forth is 10
times as fast as Basic, much more com¬
pact, and much more powerful. So it
makes sense in a small computer like
this one (3K).

Commodore was showing several new
peripherals, most notably the Vic-1520
four-color printer/plotter with 20, 40, or
80 (tiny) characters per line. It prints
sideways or lengthwise on 4- l / 2 " wide
paper. Price $199. A speech synthesizer
spoke to us as we walked by and several
new software packages tried to attract
our attention as we headed toward the

crowd in the back of the booth.

There we found a Commodore 64 re¬
designed to fit in a portable case about
half the size of an Osborne. It had a
color display, was battery powered, and
looked very inviting. It was just a proto¬
type, but judging from the enthusiasm at
the show, it should find its way into
production in short order.

Commodore also announced a dealer
price reduction on the Vic 20 which
should have the effect of lowering the
street price to $150, possibly less.

While we’re talking about the Vic, we
should mention that Cardco was show¬
ing two expansion boards (one with
three slots and one with six), a cassette
interface, a light pen, a printer interface,
and, hold on to your hats, an adapter to
allow the Vic to play Atari VCS car¬
tridges. This latter device was shown

Jupiter Ace speaks Forth, not Basic.

with much secrecy in an out-of-the-way
hotel room with a rent-a-guard at the
door. It gets our

Best Protected Orange
Cardboard Box Award

Housed, temporarily we were told, in
an orange cardboard and Scotch tape
box, the device plugs into the expansion
connector on the back of the Vic and has
a slot into which VCS cartridges are
plugged. It also brings the Vic connector
out the back for added memory, etc. The
Vic function keys take the place of the
VCS switches and the whole thing works
like a charm. Price is $89.95.

Spectra Video introduced a new com¬
puter, the SV-318, with 32K, Microsoft
Basic, CP/M compatibility, 71-key full
stroke keyboard, high resolution (256 x
192 pixels) 16-color graphics, and three-
channel music synthesizer—all for $299.
For this feat, we award them our

Most Bang For the Buck
Award

Not only is the basic computer quite
astonishing, but Spectra Video’s ener¬
getic president, Harry Fox, showed us

Commodore 64 in a compact package.

Spectra Video SV-318 computer.

April 1983 ° Creative Computing

If you just bought another computer,
boy are you gonna be sorry

The new Epson QX-10 is unlike any per¬
sonal computer you've ever seen. It's a com¬
puter for people who don't have the time to
learn computers; a computer you can be
using within minutes.

And fortunately, you don't have to take
our word for it. Here's how Byte, one of the
computer industry's most prestigious maga¬
zines, describes the QX-10.

The first anybody-can-use-it computer.

"The Epson QX-10 (is) a computer for less
than $3000 that may well be the first of a new
breed of anybody-can-use-it 'appliance'
computers ... In addition to being a highly
integrated word processing/computer sys¬
tem that offers as much usable processing
power as almost any existing microcompu¬
ter, the QX-10 ... system is designed to be
used by people with minimal technical
knowledge. We've certainly heard that
claim before, but Epson has delivered on
this promise in a way and to an extent that
no microcomputer manufacturer has done."

That's nice to hear from a magazine like
Byte, of course, but it doesn't surprise us.
It's just what we intended the QX-10 to be
all along.

More computer. Less money.

But useability isn't the only thing the QX-10
has going for it. As Byte says, "the QX-10
gives you a great deal for your money.

"Help is available at any time through the
HASCI (Human Application Standard
Computer Interface) keyboard Help key ...
Text can be entered at any time just as you
would in a conventional word processor.
The Calc key turns the system into a basic

4-function calculator. Graphics can be cre¬
ated via the Draw key. The Sched (schedule)
key gives you access to a computer-kept
appointment book, a built-in clock/timer/
alarm, and an event scheduler."

Advanced hardware for advanced
software.

As for hardware. Popular Computing,
another industry leader, says: "The QX-10
includes... a number of advanced hardware
features ... The basic components of the
system are a detachable keyboard, a high
resolution monochrome display, and a sys¬
tem unit containing two 5 x l\ inch disk
drives. The drives use double-sided,
double-density disks (340K bytes per disk)
and are amazingly compact ... The QX-10
uses an 8-bit Z80A microprocessor. The sys¬
tem contains 256 bytes of RAM. Some of the
RAM is ... battery powered ... which lets
the computer retain information when the
power is off."

You won't have to wait much longer.

The new Epson QX-10 may very well be the
computer you've been waiting for. And for¬
tunately, you won't have to wait much
longer — it will be appearing soon in com¬
puter stores all across the country. In the
meantime, write Epson at 3415 Kashiwa
Street, Torrance, CA 90505, or call (213)
539-9140. We'll be happy to send you copies
of our reviews.

After all, as Popular Computing puts it, the
QX-10 will "do for computing what the
Model T did for transportation."

And we couldn't have said it better
ourselves.

EPSON

EPSON AMERICA, INC.

COMPUTER PRODUCTS DIVISION

3415 Kashiwa Street
Torrance, California 90505
(213) 539-9140

CIRCLE 164 ON READER SERVICE CARD

CES, continued...

14 hardware peripherals and a mind-
boggling array of software all sup¬
posedly ready for immediate delivery.

The modestly-priced hardware
peripherals include an expansion inter¬
face, dual-channel cassette recorder,
floppy disk drive, memory expanders,
interfaces, dot matrix printer, modem,
and a nifty touch sensitive graphics tab¬
let. Also available is an adapter to allow
playing ColecoVision games on the com¬
puter ($70).

Another step up in price is the
Panasonic JR-200, a computer we pre¬
viously saw as a prototype but that is
now ready for delivery. (In fact, we have
one and will be reporting on it fully in
the near future.) The JR-200 has 32K of
RAM, 16K of ROM with extended Ba¬
sic, and built-in cassette, Centronics par¬
allel printer, and Atari-type joystick
interfaces. It produces both a composite
video signal for a TV or monitor and an
RGB color signal. The cassette interface
runs at 2400 baud—the fastest we’ve
seen on a small computer.

Panasonic JR-200 computer.

Surprisingly, the graphics resolution is
relatively low (64 x 48 pixels) but with
the built-in 64-character graphics set,
the effects are excellent. The JR-200 can
generate sounds over a five-octave range
on three channels.

Also announced were a cassette re¬
corder, 80-column dot matrix printer,
RGB monitor, RS-232 interface, and
acoustic modem (hey, haven’t you guys
heard about direct connect modems?).

As expected, Atari introduced the
1200XL home computer at the decid¬
edly uncompetitive price of $899.
Compatible with the 400 and 800, the

Atari 1200XL computer.

1200XL has 64K of RAM, 12 user-pro¬
grammable function keys, a self-
diagnose function, 256 colors(!), and a
four-voice music synthesizer with a
range of 3- l / z octaves.

Atari also announced several new
peripherals including a two-channel cas¬
sette recorder, an 80-column printer,
and a 40-column four-color
printer/plotter ($299).

A wide range of new software pack¬
ages was announced; reviews will appear
in upcoming issues.

Ultravision is a combination TV, game
system and computer.

Ultravision, a new company, in¬
troduced an all-in-one video game, color
television, and personal computer sys¬
tem. It is a one-piece console with a 10"
color TV, video game system for Atari
VCS games, and a personal computer.
The Z80-based computer has 64K of
RAM and is said to be software compat¬
ible with the Apple at both the Basic and
machine language levels. We don’t see
how, since the Apple uses a 6502 chip.
Accordingly, we give Ultravision our

We’ll Believe It
When We See It Award

Nevertheless, even if the system does
only one half of what is claimed for it, it
will be quite impressive. It uses special
16-position joysticks for playing both
VCS and Ultravision games. It has built-
in sound effects and simulated stereo.
And in the computer area, it has 64K
RAM, 12K ROM, 16 colors, and every
kind of interface in the book. Projected
price is $995.

Epson, on the other hand, is likely to
deliver what they announce. They were
showing the HX-20 (complete review in
the March issue) and the new QX-10.
The big difference between the QX-10
and other computers is that it immedi-

Epson QX-10 is exceptionally user
friendly.

ately comes up in Valdocs (short for
Valuable Documents), an easy-to-use
software package that includes word
processing, information storage, a cal¬
culator, message center, and graph
drawing routine. The system can also
call up any CP/M program from disk.

The QX-10 has a world of interesting
features such as a key that gives the user
the option of printing in three different
sizes and typefaces. In fact, we think it
deserves the

Most User-Friendly
Computer Award

We used the computer for an hour or
so and found it to be one of the most
user-friendly (an overused term) units
available. Price is “under $3000.’’ We’ll
have a complete review just as soon as
we get one.

Another business-oriented unit being
shown was the $2000 Sanyo MBC 1000.
It has loads of features (CP/M, built-in
business graphics, an excellent data stor¬
age and retrieval system, every imag¬
inable interface, and so on). We’ll be
reviewing it in an upcoming issue.

Once again Toshiba showed their
T100 machine. Like the Sanyo, it uses
CP/M, has 64K of RAM, and all kinds
of goodies. We’ve been singularly un¬
successful in getting one of these for re¬
view in the past, but we’ll try again.

Another business-oriented computer
being shown was the Pied Piper by STM
Electronics. This is a beautifully styled
portable unit selling for a bargain $1299.
Like most other business units, it has
64K, runs CP/M and includes a wide
range of software.

Yet another business unit (what are
all these people doing at CES?) being
shown was the M20 from Olivetti. They
were inviting comparison between their
$3000 unit and the Apple III, IBM PC,
and Xerox 820. With 128K of RAM,
320K on a 5" disk and a 16-bit mpu, the
M20 looks good.

Printers and Peripherals

While CES is hardly the place to look
for new computer printers and

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

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CIRCLE 119 ON READER SERVICE CARD

BASF

Bear with us

for the most fun

kids-and
grown-ups-

cannave
on an
Apple:

I s Stickybear 1M just for kids? Or can grown¬
ups have a barrelful of fun, too, with the
first animated character created exclu¬
sively for the Apple® personal computer?

The answer is crystal clear when the whole
family sits down to play Stickvbear Bo p, the
action game with better than arcade-quality
graphics that the three-year-olds can enjoy
with grown-ups.

Both ABC and Numbers include the program
disk, a 32-page hardcover book by noted chil¬
dren’s author Richard Hefter, Stickybear stick¬
ers, a wipe-clean vinyl binder and a special
full-color poster. Just $39.95 each!

I ook for the Stickybear programs in finer
computer stores everywhere. Dealers are
invited to inquire by calling toll-free
■ 1 - 800 - 852 - 5000 .

Stickybear™ is a
registered trademark
of Optimum
Resource. Inc.

Apple® is a registered
trademark of
Apple Computer. Inc.
AA/MS7-CC

It’s so simple even little kids can rack up big
scores at the Stickybear Bo p shooting galleries.
And so exciting, the grown-ups will join right
in on the thrills!

And Stickvbear Bo p is a complete program.
Besides the disk, there’s a full-size color poster,
a bright, durable vinyl binder, a special stand-
up game, Stickybear stickers and instructions.
All for only $39-95!

Stickybear makes learning a joy!

Besides Stickvbear Bo p, there are two special
programs to help three- to six-year-olds build
important school skills.

Stickvbear ABC helps kids learn the alphabet
...and Stickybear Numbers helps them learn to
add and subtract. And they do it with animat¬
ed objects that move over color backgrounds
without the need for special hardware.

If there is no store
near you, Visa and
MasterCard hold¬
ers may order by
calling toll-free
1 - 800 - 852 - 5000 .

Or, send a check or
money order for
$39.95 for each
program, plus
$2.00 per program for shipping and handling
(please add state sales tax) to Xerox Education
Publications/Weekly Reader, Dept. 33-A,

245 Long Hill Road. Middletown,

CT 06457.

Apple II
and
Apple II Plus
48K 3.3 DOS

Developed by Optimum Resource, Inc.
distributed by

Xerox Education Publications

Weekly Reader

Computer Software Division

CIRCLE 304 ON READER SERVICE CARD

CES, continued...

peripherals, at least one printer looked
very interesting. That was the HR-15
daisywheel printer from Brother. Speed
is an agonizingly slow 13 cps, but the
printer is able to do subscripts and
superscripts, do underlines and strike¬
outs, print in red and black, and operate
with the Diablo 630 protocol. All this at
a bargain-basement price of $595 for an
RO (receive only) version and about
$750 for one with a keyboard.

TeleData announced three modems,
one to simply receive messages and print
them out (no computer needed), a basic
modem, and a “smart” modem with
auto answer, auto dial, and all the other
expected features. The best thing was the
price—about $60 for the first unit and
$150 or so for the smart one.

We mentioned earlier that the sales of
audio and video products were on the
decline. This is bad news for the
audio/video furniture and accessory
manufacturers too, so most of them have
turned to the computer industry in some
way. Some have leaped in with both feet;
others are testing the water with an item
or two. We saw several head cleaning
kits from people previously in the record
care business, and so on.

American Innovations, a new manu¬
facturer, showed a basic line of furniture
including a computer stand, monitor
stand, and two printer stands. The price
is right—$79.95 for the computer stand
and $49.95 for the printer stand. But
better than the price was the thoughtful
detailing such as an inset continuous
molding strip around the top (no sharp
corners, no pealing molding). Also, a
system of grooves makes assembly a
snap—literally—no screws are used at
all. As a result, we give American
Innovations the

Simple Assembly Award

This was quite an unbelievable CES,
but the products mentioned here are
probably just a hint of the products
about to hit the store shelves this year.
You’ll notice that we did not get into
computer software at all. That is not be¬
cause none was introduced—an enor¬
mous amount was. However, we prefer
to review computer software rather than
just report on new releases and, further¬
more, we just don’t have the room in
this issue. Maybe next month.

We would, however, like to make two
awards to computer software manufac¬
turers. The first is the

Grossest Game Name

Award

This goes to Synapse for Slime, a new

Atari game. Actually, Synapse has some
of the best Atari computer games
around, including Shamus, Chicken,
Nautilus, and Claim Jumper. Slime is
probably a great game too, but the
name....

The other award is the

Most Licensed Characters
Without A Product Award

This goes to Datasoft for licensing the
characters from the Dallas TV series;
Banjo, the woodpile cat; Heathcliff,
“America’s top cat” (wonder what Gar¬
field thinks of that!); and no fewer than
200 Terrytoons characters including
Heckle and Jeckle, Deputy Dog, and
Pearl Pureheart. We like the Datasoft
Atari computer games ( Canyon Climber,
Tumble Bugs, Clowns & Balloons, etc.)
but we think they’ll be hard pressed to
come up with wonderful new games for
all these characters.

Another award we had was the

Most Unplayable Game
Award

Since there were so many companies
vying for this one with one or more
games, we decided that someone was
sure to get all bent out of shape if we
awarded it to a competitor. So we de¬
cided to let this one go until the next
CES. Another award that we should
have presented months ago is the

Next Time, Stay Home
Award

This goes to the gang from Craig
Corporation, a manufacturer of auto
sound equipment, who boisterously took
their drunken carryings on to Garcia’s
Mexican restaurant two nights in a row,
thus making it extremely unpleasant for
other paying patrons. So, if you’re look¬
ing for autosound equipment, and want
intelligent, well mannered employees to
help you with the decision, try Kraco or
Sparkomatic or Panasonic or anyone but
Craig.

Our last award is the

Magazine in Most Demand
But Shortest Supply Award

This clearly goes to Video & Arcade
Games, our newest publication. We had
only 100 copies at the show and could
have sold 2000, even though everyone
else was giving their magazines away
free. If you’ve seen a copy, you know
why—it’s the first literate magazine in
an admittedly crowded field of arcade,
video and electronic games magazines. If
you haven’t seen a copy, pick one up at
your local newsstand—if there are any
left.

We hope you have enjoyed our cover¬
age of CES. We’ve covered this show
several different ways in the past; what
do you think of this approach? Let us
hear from you.

The Perfect Press Conference

The life of a journalist is glamourous
and exciting. We find out about and get
to use' wonderful new products months
before they are available to the public.

The medium through which most of
these products—from game cartridges to
minicomputers—are introduced is the
press conference and its close cousin, the
press reception.

Now press conferences and receptions
come in a myriad of forms—long, short,
entertaining, boring, luncheons, dinners,
cocktail parties, wine and cheese—but
they all have a common objective: to ob¬
tain media coverage for a product, per¬
son, or organization.

Some companies achieve this objective
better than others, and having just re¬
turned from a non-stop round of press
conferences and receptions at the Con¬
sumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas,
we thought we would take a little space
to put forth our observations and opin¬
ions on what makes a good press
conference.

Our observations are, of course, aimed
primarily at the public relations agencies
and departments of the companies in the
consumer electronics industry, but we
hope that the rest of you will find them
informative and entertaining as well.

Rule Number One:

Choose a Convenient Location.

Obviously, the best coverage of a new
product will come from the people who
attend the introduction—those who
have had an opportunity to play the
game, type on the word processor, talk
to the designer. So, the first step in plan¬
ning a press conference is to figure out
how to get the people you want to
attend.

Perhaps the most important factor in
determining whether a person shows up
at your affair is location. The closer it is
to wherever the attendees will be coming
from, the better. For this reason, it is
probably worth paying the exhorbitant
rental and catering charges of the head-

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

CES, continued...

quarters hotel to ensure that people will
be able to find your reception.

A case in point: we received an invita¬
tion to a breakfast at which an appar¬
ently exciting product was to be
introduced at CES. The motel in which
it was to be held was one of which we
had never heard. It was not on the maps
distributed by the show management,
and the invitation said only that it was
“near the Convention Center.”

We didn’t know where the motel was,
and an hour before the opening of the
show didn’t have time to hunt for it, so
we didn’t go. We finally did get to see
the product one evening after the show,
but although the motel was only a few
blocks from the Convention Center, we
drove around Las Vegas for half an hour
before we found it.

Rule Number Two:

Choose a Convenient Time.

After you have chosen a good, acces¬
sible location for the event, you must
choose a time. At a show, dozens of
manufacturers compete for the writer’s
time in the evening, so forget that. Mid¬
morning and mid-afternoon hours
should also be shunned because people
tend to get involved on the show floor
and either forget or don’t want to take
the time to go to a press conference.
Most people, however, eat breakfast, and
almost everyone breaks for lunch.

So, early in the morning, before the
show starts, and around noon are good
times to schedule a press event. Which
brings us to the subject of food and Rule
Number Three.

Rule Number Three: Feed Them.

One of the very best ways to get the

attention of journalists is to offer them
food. Freelance writers and staffers from
small publications on limited budgets
sometimes depend on the fare at press
functions for their sustenance at shows.
And although that is, from the manufac¬
turer’s point of view, not a reason to
serve food at a press conference, it does
get people—at least some of them the
ones you want—to attend.

What kind of food should you serve?
Well, we won’t go into menu planning
here any more than to say that it need
not be elaborate as long as it tastes good
and there is plenty of it.

Several years ago, Infoworld gave a
party at the West Coast Computer Faire
for members of the press and industry
friends. Shortly after the announced
starting time, an assortment of hot and
cold hors d’oeuvres was placed on a long
table in the middle of the room. Guests
descended like locusts on the feast, and
in a matter of minutes, the serving trays
were bare. Everyone stood around wait¬
ing for refills to appear. None ever did.
In fact, in what seemed like record time,
the table was cleared, folded up, and re¬
moved. It was an event that will be long
remembered—for the wrong reasons.

Rule Number Four:

Choose Your Spokesperson Carefully.

Most press functions include some
sort of formal presentation during which
writers and editors are asked to suspend
their repast long enough to listen to the
official introduction of the product.

Frequently, this announcement is
made by the president of the company or
the designer of the product. Almost as
frequently, this is a disaster, because
executives and engineers are not nec¬
essarily good speakers. They walk to the
podium, thank you for coming, and pro¬
ceed to read a speech prepared for them

by a PR agency. Much more often than
not, this speech tells the guests nothing
they could not read in the press kits sit¬
ting in their laps.

The job of the person making the for¬
mal presentation should be to commu¬
nicate enough of his own enthusiasm for
the product to make the members of the
press examine the press kit for details.
Reciting specifications and marketing
strategies leads only to frustration and
boredom.

It is certainly a good idea to have the
president or designer present to answer
individual questions for those who have
them, but unless he is an accomplished
speaker, keep him away from the micro¬
phone. And under all circumstances,
keep the presentation brief.

Rule Number Five:

Have the Product Available

The person who comes to a press con¬
ference to get a story looks for an angle
or personal observation that will make
his story different from everyone else’s.
Having the product in the room and
running—even if only in prototype
form—provides an opportunity to create
that difference.

Having the product available also
lends credibility to the announcement. It
shows that the manufacturer is at least
within striking distance of a production
model. A press conference announcing a
product that will exist someday, some¬
how lacks substance, and the person
who writes optimistically about it is al¬
most as susceptible to ridicule as the
manufacturer if the product never
materializes.

Rule Number Six:

Have People Available to
Demonstrate the Product.

If it is important to let your guests
experiment with the product, it is
equally important to have an informed
member of your organization available
to answer questions and get people
started using the product.

For example, if your product is a
game, it is foolish to leave the controls
completely unattended so that would-be
players who have no idea how to play
are wiped out within seconds and soon
give up in disgust. Better to have an em¬
ployee nearby to explain the rules and
give a short demonstration. Employees
should be cautioned not to monopolize
the controls or let other guests monopo¬
lize them.

So there you have it—the perfect press
conference in a nutshell. Unfortunately,
none of the functions we attended a CES
met all our requirements, but we’ll keep
our eyes, ears, and mouths open at NCC
and summer CES, and who knows,
maybe there will be a Perfect Press Con¬
ference Award in our report from those
shows.

April 1983 ° Creative Computing

Explore the Frontiers of Intelligence

THE MIND OF MAN

Chess, Checkers, and Odin (as played by U.S.
Othello Association rules) are classic games of
the intellect. They evolved over the centuries as
a way to understand complex situations and
achieve mastery in action.

Now, by interacting with the intelligence
embodied in these programs, you can
participate in the exciting challenge of the

Mind of Man.

FOR ALL GENERATIONS—

A NEW GENERATION OF
INTERACTIVE INTELLIGENCE

Chess, Checkers, and Odin are unique-in
playing strength and in what they let you do.
You can try out any iderp—and even get ideas
from the programs therrlselves. Plus, it is easy
and fun to play the games and use their many
features:

• Different levels of play, from beginner to
expert* Advice on best move • Take back and
replay moves • Auto and manual modes •
Instant replay of games • "Change" feature
adds or subtracts pieces • Sophisticated
opening libraries • Clear graphics •
Instructions include chapter on skillful play.

THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE PROGRAMS

LARRY ATKIN AND DAVID SLATE

Authors of the Northwestern University 4.7
Computer Chess program. Winners of the
World Computer Chess Tournament,
1977-1980; Winners of 8 North American
Computer Chess Championships between
1970 and 1979; Two of the world's authorities
on machine intelligence.

PETER FREY

Professor at Northwestern University, teaching
courses in Psychology and Computer Science.
Editor of and contributor to the definitive text on
computer chess: Chess Skill in Man and
Machine. One of the U.S. Othello Association's
top-ranked players.

Strategic Intelligence Classics in their Definitive Microcomputer Versions

Checkers

BY DAVID SLATE

00a esTZ

The MIND OF MAN Series
, Volume 2

CHALLENGES THE PROFICIENT;
INSTRUCTS THE BEGINNER.

A new microcomputer standard for what many
consider to be the ultimate game of the intellect.
In addition to its superior playing strength,
Chess from Odesta introduces a new
.generation of interactive intelligence—with 27
cursor-controlled features, including:

• Advice and prediction of best moves • Save
games to disk • Graphic illustration of attacks
and defenses • Variations of blind-fold chess •
17 levels of play, including postal and
mate-finder modes • Enactment of over 30
classic human and computer chess games •
Plus—an opening library of over 7000 moves.

YOU'VE NEVER KNOWN CHECKERS
LIKE THIS!

Learn the complexities of this surprisingly
sophisticated strategy game by interacting with
Checkers' 24 user features:

• Play against 16 levels ot difficulty • Watch
Checkers play against itself-one level against
another* Switch to "Give-away" mode, where
the object is to make your opponent take your
pieces • Watch the Checkers movie—an
instant replay of a whole game • For those
interested in the inner-workings of "programs
that think", adjust 58 program parameters, so
that you can experiment with the way
Checkers itself thinks, and how it plays.

WHY ARE 20 MILLION PEOPLE PLAYING
THIS GAME?

A classic board game, where the object is to
entrap your opponent's pieces-but only at the
right time. The rules of play are simple and the
game fast. At your disposal are the full range of
features found in all of Odesta's Mind of Man
series. You will need them, along with your
keenest insight and deepest perception, to
master the secret of Odin (playing by U.S.
Othello Association rules). Join the growing
number of strategists exploring the subtleties of
a game that may change the way you think.

For those who want the best.

An ideal introduction to artificial intelligence.

Chess: $69.95 See your local software dealer, or order
Checkers: $49.95 (Mastercard or Visa):

Odin: $49.95 800-323-5423

(in Illinois, call 312-328-7101;

For Apple II, Apple II Plus 48K disk
systems, and Atari 48K disk systems.
Odin is also available for TRS-80 Model
1 & 3 32K disk systems.

CIRCLE 228 ON READER SERVICE CARD

CES: Another Perspective

Ken Uston

My reaction to the Consumer Electron¬
ics Show in Las Vegas can be summed up
in one phrase, with apologies to the Val
Gals: “Totally awesome—To The Max.”

I spent four full days wandering from
exhibit to exhibit, talking to manufactur¬
ers, playing dozens of new video games,
and experimenting with other software.
Then I took three more days to read the
three-foot stack of literature accumulated
during the show.

My basic conclusion: the dominant
implication of 1983 WCES is that the line
of demarcation between video game sys¬
tems and home computers is vanishing. I
predict that, by the end of 1983, the
functions performed by most game sys¬
tems and home computers will be identi¬
cal.

Video Systems Are Being Converted To
Home Computers

Four companies announced modules
that will convert the King of Home Video
Systems, the Atari VCS, into a real, live,
honest-to-goodness computer. These units
are made by SpectraVideo, Entex, Uni-
tronics and Emerson. Most have a key¬
board, 2K or 3K of RAM, and built-in
Basic.

Mattel finally replaced their antedilu¬
vian Intellivision with a compact, sleek

Broderbund

On behalf of Video & Arcade Games,
Betsy Staples (L) presented a Gamester
of the Year certificate to Cathy Carlston
of Broderbund Software in honor of Sea-
Fox being selected for use in the com¬
petition.

game system called Intellivision II. They
displayed a “Computer Adaptor” and key¬
board which converts Intellivision II into
a 2K RAM computer, with 16-bit micro¬
processor and built-in Basic. The key¬
board is attractive and full sized with 49
keys. (Remember, though, that Mattel has
been announcing computer modules for
years and has yet actually to deliver them
in quantity.)

Mattel plans to produce games, educa¬
tional, programming and music cartridges
for the Intellivision II, which is also com¬
patible with existing Intellivision car¬
tridges. In a move which could really hurt
the Atari VCS, they showed a module
which allows play of Atari VCS games on
the Intellivision system.

Mattel also displayed a powerful new
game system, called Intellivision III. This
product was so secret that many Mattel
employees first found out about it at CES.
It was displayed in a private room, by
invitation only. Thanks to a friend at
Mattel, I managed to see it. It’s fabulous.
It includes 320 x 192 pixel screen resolu¬
tion, a “nearly infinite” selection of colors,
up to 64 moving objects, and built-in
stereo sound effects. A remote control
joystick replaces the infamous Mattel
disk. Intellivision III will be convertible
into a home computer with the Computer
Adaptor and keyboard.

On display at the Odyssey booth was a
“Command Center,” with full size key¬
board and a modem, which allows the
Odyssey game system to function as a
dumb terminal, linkable to information
services as The Source and CompuServe.

Company reps for both Atari and
Coleco stated that they had plans to pro¬
duce modules to convert the Atari 5200
and ColecoVision into home computers,
although no equipment was on display.

Home Computers Are Being Converted
To Video Systems

Cardco announced a module that lets
the Vic 20 play Atari VCS games.

When Coleco came out with a VCS
module for their ColecoVision, they were
slapped with a patent infringement lawsuit
by Atari. (They counter-sued, filing a
restraint of trade complaint.) Wary of
legal entanglements, Cardco secretly dis¬
played their product in the bedroom of a
Vegas motel. They claimed it would be
available during the last week of January
and list for $90.

SpectraVideo did to Coleco what
Coleco did to Atari. They announced a
$299 home computer, the SV-318, with a

Ken Uston.

unit that allows all the ColecoVision
games to be played on the SV-318. (I
wonder if Coleco will sue them for patent
infringement.)

More And More Companies Are Pro¬
ducing Both Video Systems And Home
Computer Games

In a further erosion of the line between
home systems and home computers, sev¬
eral companies have announced plans to
produce game software for both types of
systems. Imagic plans to make games for
the Atari VCS, Intellivision, Odyssey, Vic
20 and Atari computers. Activision
announced plans to provide games for
the Atari computers. When I asked presi¬
dent Jim Levy whether Activision might
produce Vic 20 or TI 99/4A games, he
said the company is “studying” that pos¬
sibility.

The Vic 20 and TI 99/4A computers
sold heavily in late 1982. This has not
escaped the attention of software houses,
and more and more companies are pro¬
ducing games for these two computers,
including Thome EMI Video and Human
Engineered Software (HES). The net
result, of course, will be that these com¬
puters will become even more viable
game-playing systems.

The result of all of this is good news to
the consumer. We’ll have a wide range of
home systems that:

• will play a wide variety of new, better
games.

• will include a complete line of educa¬
tional, home finance, music, art and other
software.

• will be fully programmable, to the
delight of computer hackers.

A Couple Of Gripes

Now don’t get me wrong. I had the
time of my life at WCES. I hope never to
miss a CES for the rest of my life—God

April 1983 ° Creative Computing

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1.99

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FI 31

2.49

8" DSDD Soft Sector (Unformatted)

FI 4 A

3.19

8" DSDD Soft Sector (256 B/S, 26 Sectors)

FI 44

3.19

8" DSDD Soft Sector (512 B/S, 15 Sectors)

FI 45

3.19

8" DSDD Soft Sector (1024 B/S, 8 Sectors)

FI 47

3.19

5V4"

SSSD Soft Sector w/Hub Ring

Mil A

1.59

5V4"

Same as above, but bulk pack w/o envelope

M11AB

1.39

5V4"

SSSD 10 Hard Sector w/Hub Ring

M41 A

1.59

5 V 4 "

SSSD 16 Hard Sector w/Hub Ring

M51A

1.59

5'U"

SSDD Lanier No-problem compatible

M51F

2.99

5Y4"

SSDD Soft Sector w/Hub Ring

M13A

1.89

5V4"

Same as above, but bulk pack w/o envelope

M13AB

1.69

5V4"

SSDD Soft Sector Flippy Disk (use both sides)

M18A

2.79

5V4"

SSDD 10 Hard Sector w/Hub Ring

M43A

1.89

5V4"

SSDD 16 Hard Sector w/Hub Ring

M53A

1.89

5 V 4 "

DSDD Soft Sector w/Hub Ring

M14A

2.79

5V4"

DSDD 10 Hard Sector w/Hub Ring

M44A

2.79

5V4"

DSDD 16 Hard Sector w/Hub Ring

M54A

2.79

5 1 /*"

SSQD Soft Sector w/Hub Ring (96 TPI)

M15A

2.69

51/4"

DSQD Soft Sector w/Hub Ring (96 TPI)

M16A

3.79

SSSD = Single Sided Single Density; SSDD = Single Sided Double Density;
DSDD = Double Sided Double Density; SSQD - Single Sided Quad Density;
DSQD = Double Sided Quad Density; TPI = Tracks per inch.

Buy with Confidence

To get the fastest delivery from CE of your Wabash computer
products, send or phone your order directly to our Computer
Products Division. Be sure to calculate your price using the CE
prices in this ad. Michigan residents please add 4% sales tax or
supply your tax I.D. number. Written purchase orders are accep¬
ted from approved government agencies and most well rated
firms at a 30% surcharge for net 30 billing. All sales are subject to
availability, acceptance and verification. All sales are final. Prices,
terms and specifications are subject to change without notice. All
prices are in U.S. dollars. Out of stock items will be placed on
backorder automatically unless CE is instructed differently. Min¬
imum prepaid order $50.00. Minimum purchase order $ 200.00.
International orders are invited with a $20.00 surcharge for
special handling in addition to shipping charges. All shipments
are F.O.B. Ann Arbor, Michigan. No COD’s please. Non-certified
and foreign checks require bank clearance.

For shipping charges add $8.00 per case or partial-case of
100 8-inch discs or $6.00 per case or partial-case of 100 5V4-inch
mini-discs for U.P.S. ground shipping and handling in the con¬
tinental United States.

Mail orders to: Communications Electronics, Box 1002,
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48106 U.S.A. If you have a Master Card
or Visa card, you may call and place a credit card order. Order
toll-free in the U.S. Dial 800-521-4414. If you are outside the
U.S. or in Michigan, dial 313-994-4444. Order your Wabash
diskettes from Communications Electronics today.

OrderToll-Free! wabash
800-521-4414 error-free

In Michigan 313-994-4444 diskettes

COMMUNICATIONS

ELECTRONICS™

Computer Products Division

854 Phoenix □ Box 1002 □ Ann Arbor. Michigan 48106 U.S.A.

Call TOLL-FREE (800) 521-4414 or outside U.S.A. (313) 994-4444

CIRCLE 138 ON READER SERVICE CARD

CES, continued...

willing and the creek don’t rise. But why
on earth don’t the companies train their
people to use the products they’re demon¬
strating? Some horror stories:

I went to the TI booth to review a
music program for the 99/4A. I put the
cartridge in, but couldn’t get it to work
properly. I asked a company representa¬
tive standing nearby for help. He said,
“Well, my daughter can run it, but I don’t
know much about it.” (His daughter
couldn’t help; she was in L.A.) After 10
minutes or so, I collared another TI rep
and asked for help. She said, “I’m sorry.
The person who demonstrates this is on
break.”

I found a third person with a TI badge.
She said, “I’ve picked up a cold and have
to leave the floor.” (The Southern Cali¬
fornia flu had a field day circulating
among the 70,000+ people at CES—it
got hundreds of us, including my girlfriend
and me).

I spent two hours experimenting with
the cartridge before I fully understood
how it worked. (It’s pretty good.)

Then I tried to play a 99/4A Scott
Adams adventure. I went through three
more company representatives before I
found someone who could load the pro¬
gram for me. The game requires both a
cartridge and a floppy disk; two out of
the three didn’t even know that.

Then it was off to Mattel. They were
demonstrating their new Aquarius com¬
puter in a separate section. Three of the
computers were supposed to be hooked
up to CompuServe, the information ser¬
vice. I tried to operate one to no avail
and finally asked for help. The first fellow
said, “I only show the word processing
package.” The second, to her credit, tried,
but couldn’t raise CompuServe (I later
found out it was because she forgot to
dial the number). A third finally managed
to get things started, but we got a busy
signal.

The gal told me, “They’re probably real
busy because of the show. We might not
be able to get through for a half hour or
so.” I sensed that she just wanted me to
go away. I did.

As I left, I first wondered whether this
meant that users might as well forget
trying to use CompuServe during the eight
days each year that CES is running. Then
I wondered how 30 or so CES hookups
out of a customer base of over 30,000
could cause a logjam in the system.

I went to see a couple of new Sony
computers. When I first asked for litera¬
ture, the rep said, “We’ve barely got the
equipment together in time for the show,
let alone having time to print anything
up.”

O.K. Fair enough. I asked “What com¬
patible software will be available?” The

rep had no idea. After a few more ques¬
tions I just left, convinced from the rep’s
evasiveness and vagueness, that the com¬
puters might never see the market.

At a press conference held by Ultra¬
vision, the company president announced
that his system would be sold for $999.
All the press handouts said $595. Incred¬
ibly, the president made no mention of
the discrepency in his speech. David Ahl
finally asked him about it (answer: the
keyboard, not shown in the press package,
will be included, and the whole package
will cost $999).

During his speech, the president said
the unit would be expandable to 128K.
Afterwards, I asked how that would be
possible with an 8-bit microprocessor. He
gave me a funny look and remained silent.
I said, “Are you going to get around that
by using bank switching?”

He nodded affirmatively, but somehow
I felt he did it just to duck the question.

In some instances I was given tours by
knowledgeable company spokesmen. The
best took place at the Spectravision and
Data Age booths. But in far more cases,
the company reps didn’t seem to have
enough knowledge about their products
to be able to explain it to others. Espe¬
cially annoying was the way they guessed
at the answers. I was supplied answers I
knew were wrong at least a dozen times.
Picture the poor retailer, making buying
decisions based on that information!

One final gripe. Here we are in the
center of the technological revolution of
the world. Now, just take a guess as to
what equipment I’m using in the press
room to type this piece. No, it’s not a
word processor. No, not even an electric
typewriter. I’m using a manual Remington
Rand! I haven’t tried working one of these
confounded gadgets since high school
typing class.

Now I’m not suggesting that CES should
put a word processing system in their
press room—I know they’re expensive.
But what if some company donated one?
Can you imagine the gratitude that would
result—from reporters from The New
York Times , Newsweek , and countless
newspapers, magazines and other publi¬
cations? Maybe even more than gratitude
—hundreds of thousands of dollars of
favorable publicity. Here’s hoping somone
shows this article to Steve Jobs (yeah, I
know Apple doesn’t show at CES—but so
what?)

Musical Note

I know this is a little off-the-wall for a
computer magazine, but I’ve got to inform
you about the most revolutionary musical
instrument invention since the electric
piano, in my opinion.

An electronic trumpet was demon¬
strated at WCES that sounds exactly like
a trumpet. It can be played with no
“embrochure”; in other words, you just

Steiner Electronic Valve Instrument

blow into it. If you’ve ever tried playing
trumpet, you know that you must make
your lips vibrate to make sound. To play
high notes, you must compress your lips
really tightly. Only a handful of players
can play “screech” notes, the high scream¬
ing sounds that made Maynard Ferguson
famous.

The instrument, called the Electronic
Valve Instrument (EVI), was invented by
Nyle Steiner. It allows you to play as high
or low as you want, simply by blowing
into the instrument and turning a can-
nister with your left hand to select one of
seven octaves.

I heard Nyle play the EVI at the show
accompanied by a keyboard player. I
couldn’t believe the results. EVI can pro¬
duce the rich broad tones of Harry James
or the narrow shrill lines of Dizzy
Gillespie. Until now, this could be accom¬
plished only by subtle, artful changes in
embrochure. At first, I thought that EVI
had obsoleted all trumpet players. Upon
reflection, however, I realized that some
players, such as Dizzy, have so much
“soul” in their improvisational lines that
most of us couldn’t come close to dupli¬
cating it. But wait. I predict there will
soon be a device to pre-record lines into
EVI, just as Casio keyboards can now
“read” and play music, as shown in the
attached photograph.

I sheepishly asked the two questions
you’re probably wondering about: when
is EVI available and how much will it
cost? I braced myself for a multi-thousand
dollar response. I nearly fell off my chair
when told that the EVI is in stores now
and lists for $350!

Gladys Knight “playing” the Casio
MT-70.

April 1983 c Creative Computing

. . faithfully captures
the look,, spitil and
play of arcade
<Space Snvadets

-John Anderson,

Creative Computing

" Jill ate excellent versions
of the arcade games
with supe’i g’l^hics
and sound.

-Mark Behioff
A.NAmC.

"%e graphics display,
sounds and game logic ale
so close to the original,
that you might find youlself
looking foi the coin slot

on you t computet. m

-Gary and Marcia Rose

LDeluxe SJnvadets’
is by fat tfje best
Space SJnvadets ptogtam
evet teleased fot a
petsonal computet . ”

I -Leigh Goldstein,
Electronic Games

The new TI
Professional Computer.
It makes you the one
with the answers.

Today’s business executive is faced with
a world of questions. Questions about
productivity. Cost control. And the
bottom line.

To help you come up with the
answers and alternatives, we introduce
thenewTexas Instruments Professional
Computer The one with the power,
the expandability, the easiest-to-use
keyboard, extremely high resolution
graphics, and a broad array of software.

---SPECIFICATIONS

System Unit

16-bit, 8088 microprocessor
64K byte RAM, expandable to 256K bytes
4K byte graphics display memory
5-slot expansion bus

Keyboard

Specially designed low profile
Popular typewriter layout
97 keys, including 12 function keys
Separate numeric keypad and cursor control
clusters

Tactile response, for quick positive entry
Upper- and lower-case letters
Display Units

12-inch monochrome (green phosphor) or
13-inch full-color, 25 lines x 80 columns
High resolution, 720 x 300 pixels
Mass Storage

Built-in 320Kbyte diskette standard
Additional internal storage of 320K byte
diskette, or 5 or 10 Mbyte Winchester disks
optional

All the leading operating systems
and programming languages are avail¬
able. You can use many popular applica¬
tion programs from the best software
suppliers to help you create spread -
sheets, do word processing, construct
graphics, communicate with other
data bases or create your own. All of
which lets you control assets, manage
your time, and make projections for
tomorrow’s performance—today.

Communications Options

300 BPS or 300/1200 BPS internal modem

TTY 3780

3270 SNA stand-alone (Summer 1983)

3270 BSC and SNA cluster (Fall 1983)
Operating Systems

MS™-DOS. Digital Research™ CP/M-86®. and
Concurrent CP/M-86™, UCSD p-System™

Languages

BASIC. COBOL, FORTRAN, Pascal
Applications Software
Over 100 programs available from the most
popular software vendors such as Micro¬
soft, AshtonTate, Micro-Pro, I US, Sorcim,
Peachtree, BPI, Lifeboat and others.
Printers (Available Spring 1983)

150-cps TI 850 Series for most applications

FOOTNOTES: MS-DOS is a trademark of Microsoft
Corporation. CP/M-86 and Concurrent CP/M-86 are
trademarks of Digital Research, Inc. UCSD p^System
is a trademark of the Regents of the University of
California.

And for a clear “hard copy” print¬
out of information, you can rely on the
new 850 Series printers, made by Texas
Instruments especially for the new TI
Professional Computer.

In short, the TI Professional Com¬
puter helps you make better business
decisions based on better information.
With the performance and reliability
you expect from TI.

If you’re on your way up, the new
Texas Instruments Professional Com¬
puter can help. Because it makes you
the one with the answers.

For full information and a demon¬
stration, visit your local computer
dealer, or write: Texas Instruments,
Dept. 1A, RO. Box402430, Dallas,
Texas 75240. Or call toll-free:
1-800-527-3500.

Creating useful products
and services for you. ^

, Texas v
Instruments

CIRCLE 293 ON READER SERVICE CARD

291427 E

SIIPER-TEXT Professional does
everything the competition doesi

except one thing.

SUPER-TEXT PROFESSIONAL (40/80) gives you valuable ON¬
SCREEN FORMATTING and "HELP" GUIDES*, unique AUTOLINK,
SPLIT SCREEN and MATH MODE. Plus all the functions you'd expect
from an expensive word processor, like an 80 column screen
display.* Automatic page headers and footers. Automatic page and
chapter numbering. Preview Mode to check page endings. Easy text
editing. Special block operations for text copy, save and delete.
Automatic tabbing and formatting. Multi-file search and replace.
Superscripting and subscripting. All for only: $175.00

Compare Super-Text Professional with the other professionals. You'll
find there's no comparison. Available now for Apple 11+ and

Apple lie.

’These features available with the use of an 80 column board.

SUPER-TEXT HOME/OFFICE (40/56/70) is the best choice for intro¬
ducing word processing efficiency into your home. It offers you the
basic text editing features of Super-Text Professional, and includes
special features tailored for home use. It provides 40, 56 or 70 col¬
umn screen display without any additional hardware. The Character
Design Mode lets you create display characters in foreign lan¬
guages, with special symbols, for any personal application. All at a
price you can live with: $125.00

Available now for Apple 11+ and Apple lie.

■■ v m r. i
i i l x
■n i j i i n i

— i i ill

SOFTWARE CIRCLE 226 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Manufacturers Mentioned in CES Coverage

Manufacturers of Video Games
and Game Controls

Activision, Inc.

2350 Bayshore Frontage Rd.
Mountain View, CA 94043
(415) 960-0410

Answer Software Corporation
20863 Stevens Creek Blvd.

Bldg. B-2, Suite C
Cupertino, CA 95014
(408) 253-7515

Atari Incorporated
1265 Borregas Ave.

P.O. Box 427
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
(408) 743-4124

CBS Software
41 Madison Ave.

New York, NY 10010
(212) 481-6400

Coin Controls, Inc.

2609 Greenleaf Ave.

Elk Grove, IL 60007
(312) 228-1810

Comma-Vid Inc.

1470 Farnsworth, Suite 203
Aurora, IL 60505
(312) 851-3190

Compro Electronics, Inc.

365-B Clinton St.

Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 641-9156

Data Age, Inc.

62 S. San Tomas Aquino Rd.
Campbell, CA 95008
(408) 370-9100

Discwasher

1407 North Providence Rd.
P.O. Box 6021
Columbia, MO 65205
(314) 449-0941

Electra Concepts Corporation
P.O.Box 6479
23882 Pipit Court
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
(714) 831-7641

Emerson Radio Corp.

One Emerson Lane
Secaucus, NJ 07094
(201) 865-4343

Entex Industries, Inc.

303 W. Artesia Blvd.

P.O. Box 8005
Compton, CA 90220
(213) 637-6174

Fox Video Games, Inc.

4701 Patrick Henry Dr.,

Bldg. #9

Santa Clara, CA 95050
(408) 988-6666

Frobco

603 Mission St.

Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(408) 429-1552

Gakken Toy & Electronic Division
Retrix Systems, Inc.

2832-B Walnut Ave.

Tustin, CA 92680
(714) 731-0960

General Consumer Electronics, Inc.
233 Wilshire Blvd.

Santa Monica, CA 90401
(213) 458-1730

Human Engineered Software
71 Park Lane
Brisbane, CA 94005
(415) 468-4900

Imagic

981 University Ave.

Los Gatos, CA 95030
(408) 399-2200

Kraft Systems Company
450 W. California Ave.

Vista, CA 92083
(619) 724-7146

Mattel Electronics, a division of
Mattel, Inc.

5150 Rosecrans Ave.

Hawthorne, CA 90250
(213) 978-5150

N.A.P. Consumer Electronics Corp.
Interstate 40 and Straw Plains Pike
P.O. Box 6950
Knoxville, TN 37914
(312) 266-7200

Questar Controls, Inc.

670 N.W. Pennsylvania Ave.
Chehalis, WA 98532
(206) 748-8614

Sega Enterprises, Inc. a division of
Paramount Pictures Corp.

5555 Melrose Ave.

Hollywood, CA 90038

(213) 468-5000

SpectraVideo, Inc.

39 West 37th St.

New York, NY 10016
(212) 869-7911

Starpath Corporation
324 Martin Ave.

Santa Clara, CA 95050
(408) 748-8551

TG Products

1104 Summit Ave., Suite 110
Plano, TX 75074

(214) 424-8568

Tiger Electronic Toys, Inc.
909 Orchard
Mundelein, IL 60060
(312) 949-8100

Unitronics

401 Grand Ave., Suite 350
Oakland, CA 94610
(415) 839-2301

US Games
1515 Wyatt Dr.

Santa Clara, CA 95054
(408) 748-9800

Video Product Sales
Earl Laskey Video
20 Morning Dove
Irvine, CA 92714
(714) 857-6370

Video Technology Inc.

2633 Greenleaf

Elk Grove Village, IL 60007

(312) 640-1776

Wico Corporation
6400 W. Gross Point Rd.
Niles, IL 60648
(312) 647-7500

Manufacturers of
Computers and Peripherals

Atari Incorporated
1265 Borregas Ave.

P.O. Box 427
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
(408) 942-6790

Androbot, Inc.

1287 Lawrence Station Rd.
Sunnyvale, CA 94086
(408) 745-1084

Brother International Corp
8 Corporate PI.

Piscataway, NJ 08854
(201) 981-0300

Cardco, Inc.

313 Mathewson
Wichita, KS 67226
(316) 267-6525

Commodore Inc.

487 Devon Park Dr.

Wayne, PA 19087
(215) 687-9750

Data-assette
56 South 3rd St.

Oxford. PA 19363
(800) 523-2909

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

CES, continued...

CO^SUfAER.
ELECTRONICS |
^V4ovJ |

SpectraVideo, Inc.

39 West 37th St.

New York, NY 10018
(212) 869-7911

Epson America
3415 Kashiwa St.

Torrance, CA 90505
(213) 534-0360

Mattel Electronics, a division of
Mattel, Inc.

5150 Rosecrans Ave.
Hawthorne, CA 90250
(213) 978-5150

Milton Bradley Company
443 Shaker Rd.

East Longmeadow, MA 01028
(413) 525-6411

Mindware Inc.

15 Tech Circle
Natick, MA 01760
(617) 655-3388

Olivetti Corporation
155 White Plains Rd.
Tarrytown, NY 10591
(800) 431-1366

Now this is especially designed for the author-housewife .
It's a combination food and word processor.

TeleData Products
P.O. Box 16771
Irvine, CA 92713
(714) 751-5163

Texas Instruments, Inc.
P.O. Box 53
Lubbock, TX 79408
(800) 858-4565

/ Timex Computer Corporation
| P.O. Box 2655
\ Waterbury, CT 06725
^^293) 573-5000

Toshiba America, Inc.
Information Systems Division
2441 Michelle Dr.

Tustin, CA 92680
(714) 730-5000

Ultravision, Inc.

2315 N.W. 107th Ave.

Miami, FL 33172
(305) 592-0878

Panasonic

One Panasonic Way
Secaucus, NJ 07094
(201) 348-7182

Sanyo Electric, Inc.
1200 W. Artesia Blvd.
Compton, CA 90220
(213) 537-5830

Semi-Tech Microelectronics
Corporation

525 Middle Field Rd., Suite 130
Menlo Park, CA 94025
(415) 326-6226

Video Technology Inc.

2633 Greenleaf Ave.

Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
(312) 640-1776

MAKE YOUR VIC-20
COMPUTER TALK

when you plug in our

VOICE SYNTHESIZER

You can program an unlimited number of words and sentences and even adjust volume and pitch.
You can make: • Adventure games that talk • Real sound action games

This voice synthesizer is VOTRAX based and has features equivalent to other models costing over
$370.00. To make programming even easier, our unique voice editor will help you create words and
sentences with easy to read, easy to use symbols. The data from the voice editor can then be easily
transferred to your own programs to make customized talkies.

Voice Synthesizer (Does not Include speaker)

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CIRCLE 242 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Products for VIC 20 @ and CBM 64"

Word Wizard For The Vic 20^—(Requires at least 8K memory expansion) A user
friendly WORD PROCESSOR with optional joystick control. Easy edit and string
manipulation commands that follow the standard format. Full use of function keys for
ease of use. 100% machine language with Delete Word, Search functions and Full
Justification. Use VIC Graphic printer, or any centronics compatible printer connected
to the user port. On Tape (supports disk). $34.95.

ZAP!— Climbing the corporate ladder could be fun except for all that falling paperwork.
This Hires arcade type game allows up to 4 players to advance through each floor and
change levels to scale the corporate ranks. Be careful, it’s easy to be ZAPPED!
CARTRIDGE for VIC 20.® $29.95

systematic computer technique. Included are approximately 50 different
puzzles. You can even enter your own cryptic messages. HIDDEN WORDS will
display a matrix of seemingly random letters on the screen. Upon closer inspection,
you will be able to find many words. Included are approximately 25 different puzzles.
For VIC 20® ONLY $29.95 for all 3

Sketch Pad & Char-Gen—This hi-resolution drawing program will allow you to draw
pictures in detail. Use either the keyboard or optional joystick. A fill command will
allow you to fill a block and other commands allow you to easily clear the screen. You
can also save and load pictures. Char-Gen is a simple to use custom character
generator that will allow you to design different characters for each printable key on
the computer. This program is an excellent device to design game creatures, foreign
alphabets, secret symbols, or other special characters. One set is included and you
can make and store others quite easily. Both for VIC 20®. ONLY $24.95

Bomber Word-A unique graphic word game on cartridge that provides the full thrill of
arcade action. Complete with six modes of play options for added enjoyment Play
against the computer or another player. 6 to adult. For VIC 20®. $29.95.

Tic Attack-A fast action arcade game on Cartridge that challenges all of your
dexterity. Written in machine language for special audio & visual effects. Over 100
levels of play. High score indication. For VIC 20®. $29.95

Dot-A-Lot-As you wander through the maze of life collecting Berries, you happen upon
some magical fruit. Pick one and the treasures appear, but the Meanies are out today
looking to spoil your fun. Defeat them and continue on to a higher level. An ever
changing maze plus arcade type animation and sound will provide a real winning
CARTRIDGE for the VIC 20® $29.95

Triple Play-Three word games that are both fun and educational. The games that are
included are CROSSWORDS (requires at least 8K expansion). Five complete puzzles
are included and each puzzle has up to 100 different words. CRYPTO-SOLVE will help
you solve those cryptic messages found in newspapers, books, and magazines with a

Expand-O-Ram—16K Expansion Board for the VIC 20® with reset, memory write
protect full memory allocation, plus TWO expansion slots. Like having 2 products in
1. Can even be used as a cartridge development system. $119.00

Universal Tape Interface & Duplicator—(Use on the CBM 64® and VIC 20®). With this
device, you can easily load, save or even duplicate tapes easily with your recorder.
Full 3 LED indication of Data transfer makes this the most reliable way to Load, Save
and Duplicate. A complete 1/0 device with extras. NOTE: Duplication requires 2
recorders. Only $49.95

Universal Parallel Interfaces-Now you can use most any parallel Centronics® type
printer with your VIC 20®/CBM 64®. The inexpensive model will allow you to access
your printer through the user port. This cable and driver is
only $19.95. Our other model from TYMAC is more
extensive with graphic capabilities. Call or
write for more information and
prices.

Dealer and Distributor
Inquiries Invited

NOTE; We solicit hardware and software items for the VIC 20® and CBM 64®. Royalties, license fees, or outright purchases
can be negotiated. CBM 64* & VIC 20® are Registered Trademarks of Commodore Business Machines Inc.

CIRCLE 224 ON READER SERVICE CARD

micro
2 umrE

DISTRIBUTING INC.
1342 B Rt. 23, Butler, NJ 07405
201-838-9027

The SyQuest 306

The pace of technological develop¬
ment in the computer industry is too
rapid for the human eye to see, much
less for the human mind to comprehend.
Just as we think we have mastered some¬
thing, its replacement is announced, or
we discover that it has been made ob¬
solete by an entirely new development.
For the most part, however, these things
are not particularly revolutionary. They
have an effect, but most don’t change
the face of the industry.

That is why I was so excited to find
myself with a few extra hours before my
plane left San Jose several months ago,
and why I was overjoyed when Syed
Iftikar, chairman and president of
SyQuest Technology, agreed to meet
with me. I made a mad dash for Fre¬
mont and with little trouble found the
brand new, 65,000 square foot head¬
quarters of this less than one-year-old
company.

What has me so excited is a new disk
drive Mr. Iftikar and his company are
manufacturing. It is a 5 Mb, removable
media Winchester disk drive with some
characteristics that I think will cause
quite a revolution in the small systems
market, especially if Mr. Iftikar is able
to achieve what I think are some pretty
ambitious goals, but about which he is
confident.

Here are the significant attributes of
the drive. First, of course, it uses re¬
movable media. A cartridge drive can be
an excellent alternative for backup, es¬
pecially because it can be used as direct
storage. It can also stand alone as pri¬
mary mass storage. Second, the SyQuest
306 is half the size of the industry stan¬
dard (5%") mini-floppy. It is the height

W.H. Fastie, 7110 Sheffield Rd., Baltimore, MD
21212. Correspondence can only be acknowledged
when a stamped, self-addressed envelope has been
provided. Source Address: TCP 394.

Will Fastie

that has been halved, so two SQ306s
will fit in the same space occupied by a
single mini-floppy drive. Third, it con¬
sumes about the same amount of power
as a mini-floppy. This important factor
means that it can directly replace a
floppy in a system without requiring
changes to the power supply. Even
though it consumes less power, it has an
average access time of 75 milliseconds
and a data transfer rate of 5 megabits
per second, giving it much better perfor¬
mance than floppies. Last, and most im¬
portant, the price is aggressive.

Pricing

At the moment, the factory price for a
single unit is $800. SyQuest is a manu¬

facturer, however, and so does not sell
directly to the consumer. They sell to
integrators who package the drive with
control electronics, software, or what¬
ever else is needed to produce a complete
system. The integrator who buys in
quantity will pay less than $500 today.
Translated into retail terms, this implies
an end-user price of under $2000; prices
of $1800 for systems using the SQ306
are already a fact.

Considered in a broader context, the
price becomes more interesting. Since
the drive uses an industry standard
ST506 interface, it can be integrated
with existing subsystems so that it shares
the power supply, enclosure, and
controller electronics. Since the inte¬
grator will have good margin built in to
his subsystem price to begin with, it is
possible that the SyQuest drive can be
added as a backup device for just a little

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

BUY SOME TIME

FOR *169

Time is money. You have a computer
system because you know that it saves
you money by simplifying procedures and
reducing time normally involved in your
work. Time is an important resource which
should not be wasted. You are wasting
valuable time if you ever wait for your
printer.

More copies. Microfazer is equipped
with a copy feature allowing additional
copies of the buffered information—from
one to as many as you want—with the
mere press of a button. When you need
your information repeated, for whatever
reason, it’s always right there—inside
Microfazer.

in from a parallel computer and out to a
serial printer. Microfazer is just as flexible
as you need it to be.

Low price. Only $169 for 8K of
buffering, $189 (16K), $225 (32K) and
$299 for a full 64K. Serial-to-Parallel,
Parallel-to-Serial and Serial-to-Serial
models have slightly higher prices.

No waiting. Now with Microfazer by
Quadram there is no more waiting.

Microfazers are inexpensive universal
printer buffers which any computer user
cannot afford to be without. Any
computer—any printer (or plotter!),
whether parallel or serial. Microfazer
receives information from the computer at
ultra high speeds causing the computer to
think the printer is printing just as fast as
the computer can send. Microfazer holds
the information until your printer can
handle it, and then sends it on.

Special version for attaching directly to
the popular Epson printer.

Microfazer™ stack. Microfazer can be
stacked with popular modems or other
peripherals. Some models can plug directly
onto the back of your printer. Install it in
less than 60 seconds, and choose the
amount of buffer memory you need—8K,
16K, 32K, or 64K. One model even comes
with up to 512K! You may use several
Microfazers in series to create just what’s
right for you. Take data in from a serial
computer and out to a parallel printer. Or

4357 Park Drive/Norcross, Ga. 30093
(404) 923-6666

CIRCLE 243 ON READER SERVICE CARD

QUADRAM

CORPORATION

SyQuest 306, continued...

bit more than the integrator’s cost. And
that also implies that a subsystem
consisting of two SyQuests can be built
rather inexpensively.

That’s where I really begin to get ex¬
cited. Once you own a disk subsystem,
cartridge or not, convenient backup is
essential. With one SQ306 and even a
large main memory, a cartridge-to-car-
tridge copy is cumbersome. With two
cartridges, it is a snap. Not only that,
but you have 10Mb online. I think about
this the same way I think about floppies,
except suddenly the capacity is ten times
greater. When I think about reducing
my library of floppies to just a few car¬
tridges, my mouth begins to water. I
start to get dizzy when I think about not
having to change disks every five min¬
utes. At least one company has an¬
nounced a product with two SQ306
drives for the IBM Personal Computer,
and several others are thinking about it.

Bold Claims

Mr. Iftikar, however, is not satisfied
with the price. He has set a goal of $150
in large quantities, and intends to
achieve the goal with automated assem¬
bly and volume manufacturing. He says
he will compete with the Japanese, and
is quick to point out that he is far ahead
of everybody, including Japan, Inc.

Bold claims. And frankly, I was a lit¬

tle skeptical before I visited SyQuest. As
I listened to Syed explain his machine
and his plans, and as he took me on a
tour of his facility, I became more and
more impressed. He is a quiet, thought¬
ful man. His answers to my questions
were direct and lucid. There was no false
modesty, and no false pride. As he de¬
scribes how his company moved so rap¬
idly, it becomes obvious that he
personally designed the entire drive. He
talks about how each engineer had spe¬
cific, objective goals: make this part thus
and so, and make it cost no more than
this. He points to his robotics lab, where
engineers are building a robot to install
the spindle motor of the drive, a robot
that will reduce labor costs by 20%. We
hover over a table with two drives in op¬
eration; the heads and media are com¬
pletely exposed to the environment, and
a sign states “You are encouraged to
smoke.”

It is more than self-confidence. This is
a man who knows what he is doing, and
who knows that you know it. This is a
man who plays for keeps; he personally
financed SyQuest, and remains the sole
investor. I walked away from the inter¬
view thinking that if Syed Iftikar said it,
it would be.

SyQuest knows what they have. They
believe that the SQ306 will sell in place
of lower capacity hard disks because of

the removable media. As the cost drops,
and SyQuest expects that to happen fast,
a dual-drive cartridge subsystem will
compete effectively with mini-floppies.
Mr. Iftikar sees SyQuest inserted be¬
tween floppies and hard disks; he thinks
he’ll win head-to-head with floppies and
will force the Winchesters into higher
capacities. He thinks he will undercut
flexible or hard disk devices using verti¬
cal recording technologies.

Others seem to know what SyQuest
has as well. A SyQuest press release at
Comdex stated that more than 200 sys¬
tem builders were evaluating the drives.
I took an informal poll of vendors of
disk subsystems for the IBM PC and
found that 90% were already SyQuest
customers. At Comdex, about 30 firms
exhibited the drive.

Assuming that SyQuest can build all
the drives they say they will (200,000 in
1983, with a second source already li¬
censed), and assuming they can produce
the cartridges (a SyQuest subsidiary,
MicroDisk is in operation, second
sources licensed again) in sufficient vol¬
ume, it certainly sounds as though they
have a winner. Look for the unit to pop
up everywhere. No matter what kind of
computer system you own, I predict
availability of this drive for it soon.

SyQuest Technology, 47923 Warm
Springs Blvd., Fremont, CA 94538. □

IINIlwte'

How to Choose the Best Modem
For Your Apple*

Features-.

Hayes

Micromodem II™

Novation
Apple cat II™

SSM Apple
ModemCard”

110/300 baud operation

Yes

Half/Full Duplex

Yes

Auto-Dial/Auto-Answer

Yes

Fits completely inside Apple

Yes

Operates without additional
serial interface

Yes

Touch-Tone® Dialing

Yes

"Single-Modem-Chip" Reliability

Yes

Audio Monitor

Yes

Self Testing

Yes

Warranty period

2 yr

1 yr

2 yr

Suggested Retail Price $379

$389

$299

Trademarks; Micromodem: Hayes Microcomputer Products, Inc. Applecat II: Novation. ModemCard: SSM Microcomputer

Products inc. The Source: Source Telecomputing Corporation, a subsidiary of the Readers Digest Association. Dow Jones News/Retrieval

Dow Jones & Company, inc. Apple is a registered trademark of Apple Corporation

Count the Yes-es. SSM's
Apple ModemCard: the most
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required. All other modems are
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And with SSM's Transend soft¬
ware, your Apple can send
electronic mail or talk to other
computers or information ser¬
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Dow Jones News/Retrieval®. (The
ModemCard is also compatible
with software for the Micro¬
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The SSM ModemCard: The only
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Available from your local compu¬
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Telex: 171171 SSM SNJ

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treutiue

computing

equipment

euoluationxi-

SemiDisk Disk Emulator

Most computerists are speed freaks.
No, that doesn’t mean we take drugs, it
just indicates that we have an almost un¬
natural hangup about how fast our ma¬
chines execute. Witness the continuing
popularity of benchmarks that purport
to measure how fast some standardized
programs will run on a given collection
of computer equipment.

Most of the tests don’t really provide
meaningful information on how a com¬
puter will run real world applications,
but they are fun anyway. Sometimes the
gloating of the “winners” and the
rationalizations of the “losers” remind
me of children claiming that “my Dad is
bigger than your Dad.”

This emphasis on speed is doubly odd
considering that even a “slow” micro¬
computer is blindingly fast in human
terms. Nevertheless, raw speed is an al¬
most tangible element in the human-
machine interaction. Anything that can
make a 30-second process take half or a
quarter of that brief period seems like a
tremendous advance. It makes the ma¬
chine feel more responsive and much
less sluggish.

There are two main avenues to speed
enhancement. The clock rate of the cen¬
tral processor is the main determinant of
pure processing speed for any given
processor chip. A faster clock executes
more quickly. Since the clock speed is
designed into the system, it cannot
readily be changed, so there is not much
the average user can accomplish with
processor speed.

The main road to higher speed leads
to mass storage. I recently wrote an arti¬
cle for Creative chronicling my growth
from cassette to 5" floppy disk to 8"
floppy to Winchester hard disk. Each

Glenn A. Hart, 51 Church Road, Monsey, NY 10952.

Glenn A. Hart

upgrade resulted in a significant speed
increase and made my evolving systems
far more pleasant and powerful.

Now there is a “mass storage” device
that is a speed freak’s dream with speed
that exceeds even the hard disks. The
SemiDisk is a very high capacity RAM
memory board that emulates a disk
drive.

The SemiDisk is available in either
512K or 1 meg versions—all on one
standard S-100 board. New versions are

The SemiDisk worked
perfectly the very first
time!

also available for the IBM Personal
Computer and the TRS-80 Model II.
Such incredible memory density is made
possible by the new 64K memory chips
(4864s on the SemiDisk). Data are trans¬
ferred to and from the SemiDisk at the
rate of 11 OK bytes per second. Power
consumption is extremely low for the
amount of memory involved—typically
about 0.6 amp for the 512K board and
0.9 amp for the full megabyte board.
Such figures would have been almost
unthinkable only a short while ago.

Installation

Installing the SemiDisk is absolute
simplicity. The SemiDisk requires four
sequential I/O ports, and any addresses
can be selected with a DIP switch. Other

switches and jumpers can configure vari¬
ous operating characteristics, but the
board is set up at the factory for the
most normal configuration. Multiple
SemiDisk boards can reside in a system
to provide up to an unbelievable eight
megabytes. Even with multiple
SemiDisks, the same four ports are all
that’s necessary; on-board switches set
up the added boards to simply expand
the “disk” capacity of the SemiDisk.

Like most RAM, the SemiDisk can¬
not store data when power is removed.
However, the board includes provisions
for battery backup. An 8-12 volt battery,
preferably nickel-cadium, is trickle
charged by the SemiDisk. Special
arrangements are made for power down
and power up so data are retained.

SemiDisk Systems claims that the
software provided with the board allows
the SemiDisk to run with any standard
CP/M system. Two main installation
paths are possible: the supplied drivers
can be built in to the BIOS like any
other disk driver if the user knows how
to do this, or the SEMIDISK.COM file
can be executed. SEMIDISK.COM (for
which source code is also provided) al¬
lows complete control over the operation
of the hardware. Table 1 details the vari¬
ous options available.

The SemiDisk driver is positioned im¬
mediately below the normal CP/M Con¬
sole Command Processor. The
Hyper-Boot option speeds execution by
preventing the CCP from being reloaded
on every warm boot. SEMIDISK.COM
can optionally check the hardware
configuration and abort if there is an
I/O conflict or request the address of the
SemiDisk if it is not where the program
has been instructed to look. This option
is quite useful when first installing the
system. Other options control parity

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

A MICROCOMPUTER
EXPERIENCE
FOR TODAY

Arcaders who’ve seen and played
the ATARI and TRS-80 versions of
STRATOS came to the same
conclusions — these state-of-the-art
games were ahead of their time. After
all, any program that boasts crisp
graphics, punchy sounds, joystick
compatablllty and a full complement of
extras, like high score saving and
multi-player option has a definite touch
of tomorrow,

THE GAME’S SCENARIO IS A REAL
KNOCKOUT

The object Is to successfully
defend a futuristic city from waves of
attacking alien ships.

u k f ill.

uurimuni

dventur6

INTERNATIONAL

To order, see your local dealer. If he does not have the program, then call
1-600-327-7172 (orders only please) or write for our free catalog.
Published by ADVENTURE INTERNATIONAL
a subsidiary of Scott Adams, Inc.

BOX 3435 «• LONGWOOD, FL 32750 • (305) 830-8194

AVAILABLE NOW!

ATARI 400/800 16K TAPE ... 050-0161 $34.95
ATARI 400/800 32K DISK ... 052-0161 $34.95

TRS-80 16K TAPE.010-0161 $24.95

TRS-80 32K DISK.012-0161 $24.95

PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE

ATARI SCREEN SHOT

The battle begins! Atari version features
colors and sounds that YOU can change!

And these crafty alien critters are
Just part of a rapid-fire graphics
bonanza that includes meteor swarms,
multiple attack waves, and even a free-
moving saucer that will repair your
city’s damaged force field on the ATARI
version.

GOOD NEWS

You don’t have to wait years for
the spectacular — STRATOS is
available now for the ATARI and TRS-80
systems.

STRATOS. Entertainment of the
future — today.

TRS-80 SCREEN SHOT

The TRS-80 version blows you away with its
Arcade Action Graphics(tm)!

CIRCLE 109 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Plu<? 3,000 new applications

into your Apple!

THE CP/M Card™ plugs CP/M Plus™ into your Apple.

The CP/M Card gives you the option of running your Apple II
with the speed and capability of a professional Z-80 system
with CP/M®-compatible software. You plug in the CP/M
Card. Then choose CP/M or your standard Apple software

at your option.

Plug into a big, new world of software.

The CP/M Card gives you instant access to the world's largest
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to your present library of Apple software.

Plug into incredible performance.

Together, the ultra-fast CP/M Card and a i , i i • q _ /\rques /we., ounnyvaie, v_/\ v^uoo ^ouuj

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A plug about quality.

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the creators of CP/M, and Advanced Logic Systems, the most
respected manufacturer of Apple performance products. So
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Apple performance package you can buy.

Why just keep plugging along? The CP/M Card
provides everything you need—including 64K of
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The CP/M Card for your Apple II.

Also available for the Apple He.

CP/M, CP/M Plus, the CP/M Card and CBASIC are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Digital Research Inc. Z-80 is a registered trademark of Zilog, Inc.
WordStar is a registered trademark of MicroPro International Corporation. SuperCalc is a trademark of Sorcim Corporation. Condor is a trademark of Condor Computer
Corporation. GSX-80 is a trademark of Graphics Software System. Apple is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. ©1982 Digital Research Inc.

CIRCLE 106 ON READER SERVICE CARD

SemiDisk, continued...

Avvv Set SemiDisk base address (0-248 decimal)

B+ Enable Hyper-Boot

B- Disable Hyper-Boot

C+ Check for correct SemiDisk hardware configuration
C- Install without checking hardware configuration
D: Select default drive for SemiDisk (B:-P:)

M + Configure for 1 Meg SemiDisk

M- Configure for 512K SemiDisk

P + Enable parity checking

P- Disable parity checking

R Remove SemiDisk driver

S+ Update SEMIDISK.COM with current options

S- Install SemiDisk without updating SEMIDISK.COM

V Display current option configuration

Z+ Enable Auto-Format

Z- Disable Auto-Format

? Display list of options

Table 1. SEMIDISK.COM Options.

checking, what disk to call the
SemiDisk, etc. The changes made by the
user can be temporary to check opera¬
tion or can permanently modify the
SEMIDISK.COM program itself for
everyday operation.

A few other utilities are provided to
test the board, brute clear and format
the disk, etc. They are not normally
needed. A program which allows the
customized SemiDisk driver to execute
upon cold boot to make initialization of
the SemiDisk board proceed automati¬
cally is also supplied. Otherwise, the
user must explicitly execute the
SEMIDISK.COM to clear and format
the board before use.

My computer is complex, with a card
in nearly every slot of the 20-slot
motherboard. Operating software is
accordingly also rather complicated and
has been extensively patched. Thus I was
both skeptical and a bit apprehensive
when trying the SemiDisk for the first
time. I have tried some other hardware
and software which “guaranteed”
compatibility and been disappointed.

After adjusting the SemiDisk address
to non-conflicting ports, but not chang¬
ing anything else, I ran
SEMIDISK.COM. The SemiDisk
worked perfectly the very first time! The
memory clears and formats in a bit less
than ten seconds, and that’s it. From
then on you have a half a megabyte disk
drive that runs fast.

How fast? I ran four tests to get a feel
for the speed of the SemiDisk compared
to 8" single and double density on my
fast Innotronics drives and my 40
megabyte Quantum Winchester. IMS’s
CPM 2.24E was the operating system.
The results are shown in Table 2.

Without battery
backup, work in
progress is liable to
total loss if there is a
power failure or
serious system crash.

First I tried a linkage with Microsoft’s
L80 of a long Fortran program. The L80
linker is terribly slow, and I had always
thought it must have something to do
with disk access. Well, it does, but not to
the degree I had expected. The SemiDisk
was about twice as fast as a single den¬
sity floppy; the advantage over my hard
disk was only about 20%.

Next I loaded Wordstar and a 70K
text file and did a aQC to go to the end
of the file and a aQR to get back to the
beginning again. Now the differences
really began to show up. The advantage
of the hard disk over floppies was signifi¬

cant, but the SemiDisk was more than
twice as fast again. Comparing the
SemiDisk with floppies provided no
contest.

Then I pipped a 224K data file from
hard disk to each destination device with
verify. Copying from one area of the
hard disk to another was disappointingly
slow, but this time varied somewhat
depending on the surface being copied
to. Again the SemiDisk was more than
twice as fast as the hard disk.

Finally, I wrote a Basic program
which generated 1000 sequential
records, wrote them to disk and then
read them back in again to simulate a
business application. The SemiDisk
wasn’t quite twice as fast as the hard
disk, but its advantage was still
noteworthy.

In all cases, the speed gained through
use of the SemiDisk compared to hard
disk was significant, and even double
density floppies couldn’t come close.
Perhaps even more important, the “feel”
of the system was dramatically im¬
proved. When I got my hard disk I was
quite pleased with the response time, but
now I have been spoiled even more by
the SemiDisk.

Are there any disadvantages?
Yes—two. One is the volatile nature of
RAM. Without battery backup, work in
progress is liable to total loss if there is a
power failure or serious system crash.
Saving files to the SemiDisk occa¬
sionally, as one would do with a normal
disk, just doesn’t provide real security.
Even though power failures are rare in
my area and my system is very reliable, I
sometimes get a bit nervous when work¬
ing on the SemiDisk and back up to
hard disk or floppy. This can negate at
least a small part of the time advantage
provided by the board.

The second problem is cost. The retail
price of the 512K SemiDisk is $1995,
and the 1 meg version costs $2995.
These prices can be considered in several
lights. Compared to normal S-100 64K
memory cards, the SemiDisks are a bar¬
gain. IBM PC memory, on the other
hand, seems to be available for as little
as $600-700 for 256K. Finally, 5 1 //
Winchester hard disks have come so far
down in price that 5 or even 10 megs of
hard disk may be available for less than
the SemiDisk. In a system without hard
disk, many people would think the hard
disk a better first purchase.

But even if the SemiDisk is a bit of a
luxury, it is simply a delight to use. It is
easy to install and works exactly as ad¬
vertised. If you work with long compila¬
tions, large text files or other serious
applications, the SemiDisk will make
your life a lot more pleasant.

SemiDisk Systems, P.O. Box GG,
Beaverton, OR 97075.

Table 2. SemiDisk Speed Tests.

WordStar

PIP

1000 record

L80

70K file

224K

Sequential file

Storage Device

Linkage

aQC/ aQR

file

I/O

Single Density 8"

1:59

2:54

3:46

1:06

Double Density 8"

1:24

1:54

2:42

:42

Hard Disk 8"

1:07

:59

2:24

:31

SemiDisk

:55

:27

:58

:18

April 1983 ° Creative Computing

Accounting System for Apple

Dakin5 Controller 1.1

Controller 1.1 . from Dakin5 is an
accounting system for the Apple.
Accounting systems are complex pro¬
grams, so perhaps I should give you a bit
of personal background information
regarding my qualifications to review
one.

By education and experience I am
first an accountant and second a user of
computers. Consequently, when I exam¬
ine an accounting system I first look for
conformity with Generally Accepted
Accounting Principles and how well a
system fits into the accounting cycle.
Then I look at how well a system op¬
erates from a computer standpoint. I
also play “dumb” with the system and
see how little knowledge of accounting
and computers I can get by on. After all,
most people have very little experience
with either let alone both.

Briefly, there are two types of
accounting systems: accrual and cash
basis. The main distinguishing
characteristic is whether revenue is re¬
corded in the accounting period in
which it was earned or in the period in
which it is collected as cash. A parallel
question is whether expenses should be
recorded in the accounting period in
which they are incurred or recognized
when they are paid. A business which
recognizes revenues in the period during
which they are earned and deducts ex¬
penses when they are incurred is using
the accural basis of accounting.

For example, in March you receive a
$100 invoice from Ace Widget Co. for
supplies purchased. When you enter this

Ron Exner, 309 Potter St..
Bellingham, WA 98225.

Ron Exner

in the Accounts Payable module, Sup¬
plies Expense of $10K) is recorded and a
liability for $100 is entered in favor of
Ace Widget. When Ace is paid in April,
cash is decreased by $100 and the liabil¬
ity to Ace eliminated.

The important point is that supplies
expense is recorded in the period in
which it was incurred (March) regard¬
less of the fact that payment is made at a
later date (April). The same principle
holds true for sales. All sales are re¬
corded as revenue regardless of when
they are collected. The positive dif¬
ference between revenue and expenses is,

creative computing

SOFTWARE PROFILE
Name: Controller 1.1
Type: Accounting package

System: Apple II 48K, dual drives,
96 column printer.

Format: Disk

Summary: Professional,

comprehensive
accounting system.

Price: $625

Manufacturer:

Dakin5 Corporation
P.O. Box 21187
Denver, CO 80221
(800) 525-0463

of course, what being in business is
about.

The bottom line, or net income, has
meaning only if it is related to a specific
period of time. Since income is deter¬
mined by subtracting expenses from rev¬
enue, both the revenue and the expenses
used in the calculation must relate to the
same time period. This matching of rev¬
enue and expenses gives a realistic pic¬
ture of the profit performance of the
business each period. Since accurate in¬
come measurement is a major objective
of the whole accounting process, the ac¬
crual basis of accounting is widely used
throughout the business community.
However, it is not the only system in
use.

The alternative to the accrual basis of
accounting is the cash basis. Under cash
basis accounting, revenue is not re¬
corded until it is received in cash, and
expenses are not recognized until they
are paid in cash. Consequently it is not
likely that expenses and revenues will be
matched to the proper period. This sys¬
tem is limited mostly to individuals and
to accounting records of physicians and
other professional firms.

Design

Most accounting systems consist of a
general ledger with add on accounts
receivable and accounts payable mod¬
ules. The Controller, however, is de¬
signed as a comprehensive accrual based
accounting package. Although any of
the three modules, general ledger (G/L),
accounts receivable (A/R), and accounts
payable (A/P) may be used individually
or in conjunction with the others, they
are most impressive when used together.

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

Makers of Raster Blaster
winner of the Softalk
Award for most popular
program of 1981.

The First
Software loy

BudgeCo announces The Pinball Construc¬
tion Set, the first entertainment software
that has the simplicity and freedom of inter¬
action of a toy. You don’t use this program—
you play with it.

The Pinball Construction Set allows you to
build your own video pinball games by pro¬
viding a library of conventional (and unconven¬
tional) pinball pieces and a set of video tools.

£ Use the video hand to put library
pieces on the game board—as many
^—I as you want, where you want them.

Use the polygon tools to make qq A

A § borders and obstacles, jr 7 §

Add game logic and f\ I I
I scoring rules with the wiring kit. _ ^ i
Create hi-res designs and logos using j
the BudgeCo magnifier and paintbrush. \ I
/_A Change gravity, time, elasticity
VjP and bumper strength.

Load and save de- |MK
signs to/from disk.

Available for the Apple II* 428 Pa la Ave.

and Atari 800. Piedmont, CA

Suggested retail price $39.95 94611 415-658-8141

CIRCLE 126 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Apple is a registered trademark of Apple Computer Inc. Atari is a registered trademark of Atari, Inc.

Drawattentiontoyourself.

(Write a program for the IBM Personal Computer.)

Let your imagination take wing.

Think charts. Graphs. Shapes. Images.

Use originality, creativity and color in programs
that entertain. Educate. Organize. Analyze. And
programs that get down to business.

Maybe you’ve written software like that. Or
perhaps you’re thinking about it.

If so, consider this.

You could draw attention to yourself by writing
programs for the IBM Personal Computer on the
IBM Personal Computer. Because all our advanced
features (see the box at right) make it faster and easier
to do so.

Enhanced BASIC already in ROM, for example,
has graphics commands already built in.

And if you write a program using our Advanced
BASIC, you’ll find the DRAW command
particularly appealing. It’s virtually a separate
graphics language within a larger language.

Put your visual together with any of the 128
characters and symbols in ROM for a simultaneous,
text-and-graphics mix.

Have musical accompaniment as well.

It’s easy, because BASIC controls the built-in
speaker with a single command.

Utilize the ten, programmable
function keys. Try F3 to paint.

F4 for lines. F5 for circles. Or
F6 for boxes.

IBM PERSONAL COMPUTER SPECIFICATIONS ^

User Memory

64K-640K bytes*
Microprocessor
16-bit, 8088*
Auxiliary Memory

2 optional internal
diskette drives, 514"
160K bytes or320K
bytes per diskette
Keyboard
83 keys, 6 ft. cord
attaches to
system unit*

10 function keys*
10-key numeric pad
Tactile feedback*

Display Screens

Color or monochrome
High-resolution*

80 characters x 25 lines
Upper and lower case

Operating Systems

DOS, UCSD p-Svstem,

CP/M-86+

Languages

BASIC, Pascal, FORTRAN,
MACRO Assembler,
COBOL

Printer

All-points-addressable
graphics capability
Bidirectional*

80 characters/second
18 character styles
9x9 character matrix*

Diagnostics

Power-on self testing
Parity checking*

*ADVANCED FEATURES FOR PERSONAL COMPUTERS

Permanent Memory

(ROM) 40 bytes*

Color/Graphics

Text mode.

16 colors*

256 characters and
symbols in ROM*
Graphics mode:

4-color resolution:

320h x 200v*

Black & white resolution:

640h x 200v*
Simultaneous graphics &
text capability'*

Communications

RS-232-C interface
SDLC, Asynchronous,
Bisynchronous protocols
Up to 9600 bits per second

Remember that these function keys make your
program more “friendly” to the user and, therefore,
more appealing to us.

In fact, if you’re interested in licensing your
software, we could be interested in publishing it.

We could also be interested even if it runs on
another computer. If we select your software, we’ll
ask you to adapt it to our system.

So if you think your software is close to
picture perfect, consider sending it in.

For information on how to submit
your completed program, write:

IBM Personal Computer,

External Submissions, Dept. 765 PC,
Armonk, New \ork 10504. ^

The IBM Personal Computer

A tool for modern times

For more information on where to buy the IBM Personal Computer, call 800-447-4700. In Alaska or Hawaii, 800-447-0890.

tUCSD p-Systcm is a trademark of the Regents of the University of California. CP/M-86 is a trademark of Digital Research, Inc.

CIRCLE 182 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Make

the Qume

ction*

The Qume SPRINT 11 PLUS’* is the new stan
dard of quality for professional, letter-perfect
daisywheel printing. And for just $1776,
you can have it for your personal or desk¬
top computer. It comes complete with a
Qume Connection interface module to fit
popular computers from IBM, Radio Shack,
Commodore, Xerox, Hewlett Packard, North
Star and many others. Its 96-character daisywheel
delivers letter-quality text at a steady 40 cps. And

with an average of 5,500 trouble-free hours
(3 years typical use) between maintenance,
the SPRINT 11 PLUS is unmatched in
reliability. Qume quality is the choice of
sophisticated, professional users. At $1776,
there's no reason for you to settle for any¬
thing less. Make the Qume Connection by
calling one of our authorized distributors.
Or write Qume, 2350 Qume Drive,
San Jose, California 95131.

Our new

SPRINT 11 PLUS.

fits every computer.
Si776.

Abacus Data Services

(416) 677-9555 Ontario
Anacomp
(213) 516-7480 CA
(206) 641-4990 WA
(206) 881-1113 WA
(509) 624-1308 WA
(800) 426-6244 Outside WA
Anthem Systems
(415) 342-9182 CA
Audiovisual Services

(713) 659-1111 TX
(800)392-7770 TXOnly
Bohlig and Associates

(612) 922-7011 MN
Butler Associates
(203)653-7158 CT
(617) 964-5270 M A
Byte Industries

(800) 972-5948 CA Only
(800) 227-2070 Outside CA
C & G Distributors, Inc.

(513) 435-4340 OH

(800) 245-1084 Outside OH
(412) 366-5056 PA

(800) 245-1084 Outside PA
D»J. Carlyle Corp.

(213) 277-4562 CA

(714) 640-0355 CA

(415) 254-9550 CA
(808) 531-5136 HI

(312) 975-1500 IL
(201)780-0802 NJ

(214) 458-0888 TX

(713) 530-4980 TX
Computer Mart of N J.

(201) 283-0600 NJ
Computermax Corp.

(505) 883-0048 AZ
(602) 997-8900 AZ
(303) 773-1169 CA
(904)878-4121 FL
(404) 458-6500 GA
(704) 542-0091 NC
(512)654-4711 TX
Datamex Ltd.

(613) 224-1391 Ontario

(416) 781-9135 Ontario

(514) 481-1116 Quebec
(604) 684-8625 Vancouver
Data Systems Marketing

(602) 833-0061 AZ
(916) 891-8358 CA

(714) 540-2312 CA
(209) 237-8577 CA
(213)344-7097 CA
(213) 641-2050 CA

(415) 941-0240 CA
(213)796-2562 CA
(213)796-2631 CA
(714) 560-9222 CA

(213) 344-7097 CA
(303) 371-4140 CA
(303) 694-1710 CA

(313) 254-2830 Ml
(406)586-1511 MT

(603) 673-0765 NH
(505) 294-1531 NM
(503) 641-2469 OR
(412) 486-2676 PA

(214) 960-1604 TX

(713) 789-0803 TX

(801) 292-6666 UT
(206) 575-8123 WA
Datatech Systems, Ltd.
(403) 483-3947 Alberta

(416) 255-9351 Ontario

(604) 765-7781 Victoria
Data Technology Industries

(415) 638-1206 CA
(910) 366-2072 (TWX)

Data Terminal Mart
(403) 270-3737 Alberta

(403) 420-1755 Alberta
(604) 872-8482 B C

(902) 469-3782 Nova Scotia

(416) 495-2001 Ontario
(416) 677-0184 Ontario
(613) 729-5196 Ontario
(416) 245-4780 Ontario
(514) 288-1555 Quebec
Equipment Resources

(404) 995-0313 GA
(901) 794-4635 TN
General Electric
(205) 479-6547 AL
(602) 278-8515 AZ

(714) 231-0309 CA
(415) 436-9260 CA
(203) 628-9638 CT

(202) 737-6211 DC
(305) 921-0169 FL
(904) 751-0615 FL
(305) 904-7723 FL
(404) 452-4913 GA
(404) 452-4919 GA
(219) 933-4500 IL
(217) 424-8495 IL
(312) 780-2994 IL
(812)473-6161 IN
(317) 241-9330 IN
(219) 933-4500 IN
(319)285-7501 IA
(502)452-3311 KY
(301) 332-4710 MD
(617) 938-1920 MA
(800)343-4411 MA
(612) 522-4396 MN
(816) 231-6362 MO

(314) 993-0537 MO
(201) 227-7900 NJ
(609) 488-0244 N J

(716)876-1200 NY
(201)227-7900 NY
(518) 385-4888 NY
(704)525-3011 NC
(513) 874-8512 OH
(216) 441-6111 OH

(503) 221-5095 OR
(901) 527-3709 TN

(214) 243-1106 TX
(713) 672-3575 TX
(801)973-2253 UT
Gentry and Associates
(205) 534-9771 AL
(305) 791-8405 FL
(305) 859-7450 FL
(813) 886-0720 FL
(404) 998-2829 GA

(504) 367-3975 LA
(919) 227-3639 NC
(803) 772-6876 SC
(901) 358-8629 TN
(615) 977-0282 TN
Inland Associates
(913) 764-7977 KS
InterACT Computer Systems
(305) 331-7117 FL

(404) 953-8213 GA
(704) 254-1949 NC
(704) 552-7502 NC
(919)275-3305 NC
(919)876-6379 NC
Manchester Electronics
(800) 342-1382 CT
MicroAmerica
(800) 421-1485 CA
(800) 262-4212 CA
(617) 431-7660 MA Only
(800) 343-4411 Outside MA
(800)527-3261 Outside TX

(800) 442-5847 TX Only
Micro Computers

of New Orleans

(504) 885-5883 LA

Nat l. Computer Syndicate

(312) 459-6400 IL

Pac. Mountain States Corp.

(213) 989-6113 CA
PAR Associates
(602) 243-4267 AZ
(303) 371-4140 CA

(801) 292-8145 UT
Pioneer Electronics
(205) 837-9300 AL
(305) 859-3600 FL
(305) 771-7520 FL
(404) 448-1711 GA
(301) 948-0710 MD
(919)273-4441 NC

(215) 674-4000 PA
Pioneer Std. Electronics

(312) 437-9680 IL
(317) 849-7300 IN

(313) 525-1800 Ml
(612) 935-5444 MN

(216) 587-3600 OH
(513) 236-9900 OH
(412) 782-2300 PA

(512) 835-4000 TX

(214) 386-7300 TX
(713) 988-5555 TX
Schweber

(205) 882-2200 AL
(213) 999-4702 CA

(213) 537-4321 CA
(916) 929-9732 CA
(408) 496-0200 CA
(203) 792-3500 CT
(305)331-7117 FL
(305)927-0511 FL
(404)449-9170 GA

(312) 364-3750 IL
(319)373-1417 IA
(301) 840-5900 MD
(617) 275-5100 M A

(313) 525-8100 Ml
(612) 941-5280 MN
(201)227-7880 NJ
(716) 424-2222 NY
(516) 334-7474 NY
(216) 464-2970 OH

(513) 439-1800 OH
(918) 622-8000 OK

(215) 441-0600 PA
(412) 782-1600 PA
(512) 458-8253 TX

(214) 661-5010 TX

(713) 784-3600 TX

(414) 784-9020 Wl
Tek Aids Industries Inc.
(312) 870-74001L
(512) 835-9518 TX
Terminal Rentals, Inc.

(602) 258-4466 AZ
(213) 637-3413 CA

(714) 235-9268 CA

(415) 956-4821 CA
(408) 292-9915 CA
(714) 832-2414 CA
Terminals Unlimited
(800) 336-0423
(800) 572-0164 VA
(703) 237-8666 VA
Unico

(512)451-0251 TX

Victor Electronics
(617) 481-4010 M A
Western N.Y. Computer
(716) 381 4120 NY
2M Corporation
(201) 625-8100 NJ

Qume.

▼ A Subsidiary of ITT

Dakin5, continued...

I must emphasize that this is an accrual
based system; it is aimed at a business
that recognizes income and expenses
when they are earned or incurred. If you
have a cash based system, Controller will
be awkward to use. You may want to
consider, instead, one of the numerous
checkbook management programs.

Controller is an excellent example of
the proper use of automation. One small
but typical example of the proper use of
automation can be seen in the accounts
receivable module. To start, you simply
insert the master disk, choose accounts
receivable and plug in the A/R systems
disk. If you pick the wrong disk or put
the right disk in the wrong drive, the
system notes the error and tells you
which disk to put in which drive. In fact,
if you are totally confused, (not likely)
don’t put a disk in either drive and the
system will tell you which disk should be

The Controller is
designed as a
comprehensive
accrual based
accounting package.

in which location. If at any time you
don’t like a menu option, you can simply
press escape, and you will be returned
to the previous menu. If that menu is on
a different disk, the system will tell you,
for example to . .insert System Disk
006 in drive 1.” Of course if you antici¬
pate which disk is needed this message is
omitted.

Frequently, a high degree of automa¬
tion limits the applications of a program.
Even as an accountant I find this to be
refreshingly not the case with Controller.
Coupled with automatic data disk back¬
ups and automatic report generation at
strategic times in the accounting cycle,
the automatic features of the Controller
allow you to forget about the possibility
of inserting the wrong disk in the wrong
drive and bombing the program or wast¬
ing your data disk. You concentrate, in¬
stead, on just making sure you are
providing the right data to the system.

Dakin5 not only provides you with
unprotected program disks, but provides
a utility system that is used to make
backups of the data and system disks.
What it comes down to is this, if you are
not functionally illiterate and can open a
disk drive door without assistance, you
can operate Controller with confidence.

Features

Without turning this review into a
user’s manual, the best way for me to

give you an idea of the features of
Controller is to examine its capabilities.
Briefly, some of the most distinguishing
program and report characteristics are
the following:

Accounts Receivable

• Can hold 250 customers per disk
with a maximum of 1000 trans¬
actions per month per disk. The sys¬
tem will accommodate up to nine
data disks, each with its own volume
number.

• Identifies up to 100 separate
salespeople.

• Accepts sales amounts up to
$99,999.99. Accepts tax amounts up
to $999.99. This amount must be
calculated manually and entered
separately on each invoice.

• Allows up to 250 statements per
month per data disk.

• Allows a maximum balance per
customer per aging period of
$99,999.99.

• Allows overall customer balance of

$399,999.96.

• Allows sales and payment entries in
batches of up to 100.

• Can transfer up to 100 journal en¬
tries per disk to the general ledger at
one time.

A/R Reports

• Customer Master List: A reference
for all customers of your business
and their customer number, address,
telephone number, discount percent¬
age, last activity, year to date billing
and balance due.

• Customer Mailing Labels.

• Sales Journal: Shows a batch reg¬
ister of sales invoices, adjustments,
and finance charges entered. Makes
an excellent audit trail back to the
source document.

• Payment Journal: Reports payments
and adjustments made to customers’
accounts. Like the Sales Journal, it
produces an excellent audit trail.

• Summary Aged Trial Balance: Prob¬
ably the most valuable tool available
for spotting slow or delinquent cus¬
tomers. Shows customer number,
name, phone number, aged
amounts, and total due.

• Detailed Aged Trial Balance: Simi¬
lar to the Summary report but it
shows customer’s balance forward,
credits, invoices, payments, and fi¬
nance charges for the current
period.

• Monthly Activity Report: Shows, by
customer, the total activity for the
month including transaction date;
transaction type, i.e. sale, adjust¬
ment, etc.; sale amount; other
amount; tax amount; total amount;
and date each entry is paid.

CIRCLE 245 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Get Omni quality
for as little as $1.99...

even if all you want is a
10 pack.

ARCHIVE

152 Boston Turnpike
Shrewsbury, MA 01545
(800) 343-0314;

In Mass:

(617) 756-2960

Call toll-free for great savings on Omni’s complete
line of 5V4" and 8" premium disks. Each is
certified error-free at a minimum of twice the
error threshold of your system. Each is rated for
more than 12 million passes without disk-related
errors or significant wear. And each is precision
fabricated to exceed all ANSI specifications with
such standard features as reinforced hub rings and
Tyvec sleeves. Get next day shipment

and an unconditional, no hassle
money-back guarantee.

Call toll free

(800) 343*0314

In Mass: (617) 756-2960 ^

Call if you’re not sure which disk is compatible with you? 1
system. Call for prices on 96 tpi and special formats. We offer an
unconditional money-back warranty. Were here to help.

Be sure to indicate system/drive name and model # below.

rnplete line
"and 514"
iks, including
TPI and
ial format

5 14" disks

Cost per

10 pack Quantity

$19.90 _

$23.90 _

Single side/single density

Single side/double density

Double side/single density

Double sidc/double density

Flip/Floppy reversible

Plastic library case
(in lieu of soft storage box)

Shipping and handling

($2.00 first 10 pack, 40? additional 10 packs. Continental U.S. only.)
5% sales tax (Mass only)

□ Check DCOD □ Master Card DVISA

$37.50
$39.90
$ 2.99

8" disks

Cost per

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$34.90 _

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Total

Cost

Total

Card /.

System/drive model § _
Tel. __

-Exp-

Name .

Address.

DakinS, continued...

• Statements: Printed only for cus¬
tomers with balances, and may be
produced for specific customers or a
range of customers. Each statement
indicates the balance forward pay¬
ments, adjustments, charges and fi¬
nance charges. The last statement is
a summary of all the statements
printed.

• Sales Commission Report: Details
each salesperson’s activities and
shows the customer name, sales
amount, commission percentage,
and total commission for each sale
and for each customer.

Accounts Payable

• Holds up to 125 temporary or
permanent vendors from whom you
make purchases.

• Can print as many as 300 checks in
any one month.

• Has the capacity to hold up to 300
open invoices at any one time.

A /P Reports

• Vendor Master List: Similar to the
Customer Master List except it lists
vendors instead of customers.

• Vendor Labels: Produces vendor
mailing labels.

• New A/P Invoice Register: Lists
each new invoice in computer as¬
signed voucher number sequence.
Shows voucher number, vendor
name, vendor number, invoice num¬
ber, invoice date, check number (if
invoice is paid), check due date, dis¬
count amount, G/L account dis¬
tribution, invoice amount to be
distributed, total invoice amount,
and batch totals for discount
amount and for all invoices.

• Accounts Payable Cash Require¬
ments: Based on the due dates of all
unpaid invoices, this report gives the
total per invoice, total per due date,
and running totals for all unpaid
invoices.

• Open Invoices by Vendor: Lists in
vendor sequence all unpaid invoices.
Has the same level of detail as the
New A/P Invoice Register.

• A/P Paid Invoice Register: Acts as
a check register of all invoices paid
during the period. Shows hand writ¬
ten checks first.

• A/P Distribution Journal: Details
the dollar amount distributed to the
respective general ledger accounts in
general ledger account number
sequence.

• A/P Disbursement Journal: Pro¬
vides all the detail you would expect
in a simple check register including
check number, vendor name, check
date, check amount and discount
taken, and totals by check amount
and discount taken.

CIRCLE 115 ON READER SERVICE CARD

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

Introducing

CEnic

5.25" Removable GENIE Winchester Cartridge Drive

IBM • APPLE II PLUS • RADIO SHACK • S-100

The Genie Cartridge Drive is a revolutionary new 10 Megabyte Hard Disk
Drive that includes a 5 Megabyte removable Winchester catridge. The
cartridge Drive system simply plugs into your computer, and includes all
necessary software and hardware. Genie Drives are compat¬
ible with most popular software,
and each cartridge replaces
over 30 double-density
floppy disks.

Imagine, 5 Megabytes in the

10 Megabytes of on-line storage.

File sizes to 5 Megabytes.

Power-on self-test.

Easy back-ups in minutes.

System expandable to eight drives.

Built-in error detection and correction.

No preventative maintenance required.

Comes complete with all necessary software
and hardware.

MTBF 8000 Hours.

Built-in fan.

Operates 110/220 VAC 50-60 Hz.

One year limited warranty.

Only $3995*

COMPUTER

palm of your hand. These small Winchester cartridges
are only .75 inches thick and 5.50 inches square. The
disk itself is completely sealed from theoutsideand all
its hazards by a sliding door that opens only once the
cartridge is firmly seated inside the drive. Long term
availability of this cartridge is assured by its adoption
by several well known manufacturers including Dysan
and Memorex, the world leaders in computer mass
storage media.

Comprehensive system utilities package.

Allows eight-character names to be assigned to virtual
volumes.

User Can back-up to any Genie REMOVABLE Cartridge
Drive, or to diskettes. Mix & Match different system file
types on the same disk.

System status screen messages. Up to 16 volumes on¬
line at a time.

Manufacturer’s suggested retail price. Includes all required components.
Concurrent CP/M-86 is a registered trade mark of Digital Research.

IBM Personal Computer is a registered trademark of IBM Corporation.
Apple is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.

Radio Shack is a registered trademark of Tandy Corporation.

Dysan is a registered trademark of Dysan Corp.

CORPORATION

31125 Via Colinas #908 • Westlake Village, CA 91362 • (213)991-6210

CIRCLE 177 ON READER SERVICE CARD

“I built this 16 -bit computer and
saved money. Learned a lot, too.”

Save now by building the Heathkit H-100
yourself. Save later because your computer
investment won’t become obsolete for
many years to come.

Save by building it yourself. You can save hundreds of
dollars over assembled prices when you choose the new
H-100 16-Bit/8-Bit Computer Kit - money you can use
to buy the peripherals and software of your choice.

The H-100 is easy to build - the step-by-step Heathkit
manual shows you how. And every step of the way, you
have our pledge - “We won’t let you fail.” Help is as close
as your phone, or the nearest Heathkit Electronic Center.t

And what better way to learn state-of-the-art computing
techniques than to build the world’s only 16-bit/8-bit
computer kit? To run today’s higher-speed, higher-per¬
formance 16-bit software, you need an H-100. It makes a
big difference by processing more data faster.

H-100 SERIES COMPUTER SPECIFICATIONS:

USER MEMORY:
128K-768K bytes *
MICROPROCESSORS:
16-bit: 8088
8-bit: 8085

DISK STORAGE:

Built-in standard
5.25'disk drive,

320K bytes/disk

KEYBOARD.

Typewriter-style,

108 keys, 13
function keys,

18-key numeric pad

GRAPHICS:

Always in graphics mode.
640h/225v resolution;
up to eight colors
are available**

COMMUNICATIONS:

Two RS-232C Serial
Interface Ports and
one parallel port

*128K bytes standard
^Optional.

DIAGNOSTICS:

Memory self-test
on power-up
AVAILABLE SOFTWARE:
Z-DOS (MS-DOS)
CP/M-85

Z-BASIC Language
Microsoft BASIC
Multiplan

SuperCalc

WordStar

MailMerge

Data Base

Manager

Most

standard

8-bit CP/M

Software

Dual microprocessors for power and compatibility. The
H-100 handles both high-performance 16-bit software
and most current Heath/Zenith 8-bit software.

Want room to grow? The H-100’s standard 128K byte
Random Access Memory complement can be expanded
to 768K bytes - compared to a 64K standard for many
desktop computers.

And the industry-standard S-100 card slots support
memory expansion and additional peripheral devices,
increasing future upgradability of the H-100.

High-capacity disk storage, too.The H-IOO’s 5.25"floppy
disk drive can store 320 K bytes on a single disk. The
computer also supports an optional second 5.25" and
external 8” floppy disk drives. And an optional internal
Winchester disk drive will be available soon.

For more information, circle the reader service number
below. Better yet, visit your Heathkit Electronic Center for
a demonstration!

The H-100 gives me the most
for my computer dollar!

... ... .£i;_:_

Heathkit Electronic Centers are units of Veritechnology Electronics Corporation.

Heath Company and Veritechnology Electronics Corporation are subsidiaries of Zenith Radio Corporation.

Company

CIRCLE 187 ON READER SERVICE CAR

Dakin5, continued...

General Ledger

• Can handle up to 250 accounts with
a maximum balance of
$90,000,000.00 per account.

• Allows standard entries: This fea¬
ture is used to batch enter amounts
that are the same each period. For
example, rent expenses and depreci¬
ation. You can have a maximum of
100 standard entries.

• Can handle up to 1000 journal en¬
tries including up to 100 standard
entries per month.

G/L Reports

• Chart of Accounts: May be printed
with or without balances. With bal¬
ances it shows current month bal¬
ance, current month transaction
total, transaction total for next
month, and transaction total for
third sequential accounting month.

• Chart of Accounts Changes: Shows,
in account number sequence, any
additions, changes, or deletions to
the chart of accounts.

• General Journal Report: Shows all
entries that have been made to the
general ledger.

• Standard Entries Journal: Shows the
current set-up of accounts that can
be batch entered into the general
ledger.

• Trial Balance: Available in detail or
summary format. The detail report
must be printed before closing the
month in G/L.

• Balance Sheet: Available in sum¬
mary or detail format.

• Income Statement: Shows sales, cost
of sales, gross profit on sales, operat¬

ing expenses, and net income. Avail¬
able in summary or detail format.

• Income Statement for Departments:
Available in summary or detail
format.

As you can see the capacity and re¬
port options of the Controller are exten¬
sive. I worked with this system for
several months and with the exception of
wanting standardized accounts receiv¬
able sales entries, could not think of a

The capacity and report
options of the
Controller are
extensive.

feature or report it did not offer.

Setup

Flexibility, which can be lost in the
trade for automation, is most evident
when setting up A/R, A/P or G/L for a
specific business configuration. Control¬
ler gets around what it gives up in this
exchange by being so complete that all
the conceivable choices are built in. Con¬
sequently there is very little “I wish I
could. . . ” with this system. If you think
you need to, you probably can.

As with most other aspects of the
Controller , module set-up is simple and
complete. In accounts payable, for
example, you indicate: fiscal year-end
date; current month-end date; complete
company address; whether or not you
are using the general ledger; whether or

not you will be printing checks on your
printer, and the account numbers of the
general ledger summary accounts to
which A/P will post. To top it all off,
when you are finished you can generate
a printed copy of this setup for future
reference.

A similar procedure is followed for ac¬
counts receivable and general ledger. All
you have to do is follow the simple, easy
to understand instructions in the
documentation.

Documentation

Controller comes wrapped in a glossy,
white, oversized, three-ring binder with
327 pages of documentation, 24 program
and data disks and everything else you
could possibly need to make the system
work well, including 36 archive disk la¬
bels, a user input report, and a handy
adhesive label with Dakin5’s toll free hot
line phone number.

At first the package is slightly
intimidating. Then you realize that of
the 327 pages of documentation 109 are
sample reports and their descriptions, 11
are index pages, and 16 are miscella¬
neous. The remaining 191 pages are di¬
vided between a familiarization tutorial
and a setup/reference manual. Each of
the two sections is further divided into
A/R, A/P, and G/L chapter compo¬
nents. The format for all is basically the
same.

In Chapter 5, General Ledger Tu¬
torial, for example, you are first told
what you will learn and then how to go
about learning it. There is quite a bit of
“hand holding” with instructions like
“1. Choose selection 1, THE
CONTROLLER. . . and press return,”
but given the complexity of doing the job
right, this style is a real confidence
builder.

Not only are you told what to do, but
equally important, you are told why.
When you realize that each option, i.e.
to use departments or not; to use A/R
and/or A/P or not; to print checks or
not, requires instruction and explanation
it is amazing that the documentation is
as brief as it is.

If at any time you get unusual results
or simply don’t understand what is go¬
ing on, just dial Dakin5’s toll free hot
line for assistance. The staff on the other
end is just like the program—user-
friendly and professional.

Summary

Here is where I put it all
together—the good and the bad. My big¬
gest complaint is the limitation of
Controller to compatibility with 96-col¬
umn printers. This excludes the latest
generation of popular printers, such as
the Epson and Okidata. (I have an
Epson MX-80.) Although changing over

'Come on, now! Explain to the nice man, like you did to me, why I
don’t have to pay taxes this year!!”

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

FEEL LIKE A KID
IN A CANDY STORE?

Now rent or buy
all the software you want

SoftRent lm — an exclusive
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Members

— RENT software at 20% of list
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— Buy software, saving '/j of list
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FREE software package with
$75 lifetime membership fee
through APRIL 30, 1983
Non-Members

— RENT software at 30% of list
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— Buy software, saving '4 of list
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Choose from the most popular
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Solana Beach, CA 92075
(619) 481-0559

CIRCLE 268 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Soothsayer is based on the
amazing l-Ching or "Book of
Changes" developed in an¬
cient China as a divination
medium.

Only $29.95

Order now for your first
glimpse into the future.

For Apple II + 48K (or Apple II with
language card) Call or write:

DIVISION OF TYLOS INC.

1900 Emery St.. Suite 318
Atlanta. GA 30318(404) 352-1015

Send check, money order. VISA OR M/C
(account numbers 8 expiration date) Please
add $1.50 postage and handling. Georgia
residents add sales tax. Dealer Inquiries
Invited.

•Apple II and II * are registered trademarks of
Apple Computer Inc.

CIRCLE 300 ON READER SERVICE CARD

is 9°od?
,/ Is it worthwhile?

fe it yours?

We currently publish over 40
educational programs and games
that develop skills — for use on
the Apple II computer.

Our buyers? Schools —
elementary, secondary and
college level — plus over 500
computer stores, school supply
companies and audio/visual
dealers nationwide.

Our exposure? Advertising in a
number of national publications —
computer, business and
educational.

Our interest ? The opportunity to
evaluate your program, with an
eye to making you an outstanding
royalty offer.

Are you interested? If so, contact:

MICRO

12820 Hillcrest Rd. #224 POUICR

& LIGHT CO.

Dallas, Texas 75230
214/239-6620

CIRCLE 218 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Dakin5, continued...

to condensed 132-column format allows
the reports to fit on the page, not only
doesn’t it look quite right but, more im¬
portant, it doesn’t overcome the problem
of how to produce statements.

The standard form assumes a 96-col¬
umn printer. However, since the pro¬
gram is unprotected, I simply wrote a
brief Basic program that produces blank
statement forms and then went into the
program and changed the print state¬
ments to conform to 80 columns. Using
my newly created forms, I succeeded in
producing some very attractive state-

My biggest complaint
is the limitation of
Controller to
compatibility with
96-column printers.

ments. Why Dakin5 couldn’t have in¬
cluded the same kind of option I don’t
know.

If you have the proper printer, you
will definitely like the Controller. The
program is menu driven and proceeds
logically from one menu to the next or
back to the previous menu without
much thought. The automatic design of
the program makes user mistakes ex¬
tremely unlikely and contributes greatly
to the overall professional operation of
the program. This is true even if the user
has limited accounting or computer
experience. If you know the difference
between .50 and .05 and can read this re¬
view, then you have sufficient back¬
ground to succeed with the Controller.

Despite the user-friendliness, excellent
documentation, superb support from
Dakin5, and bullet proof design of the
system, the real strength of this program
lies in the fact that it is one element of a
family of business programs. For exam¬
ple, I had the opportunity to examine
one of Dakin5’s latest offerings, the
Depreciation Planner.

Although this program is not the sub¬
ject of this review it is important in the
way it works with the Controller. It not
only changes the Controller menu op¬
tions so that it is included, it also auto¬
matically posts depreciation amounts to
the general ledger and updates the cur¬
rent month, year-to-date, and life-to-
date-amounts.

Like the three elements of the Control¬
ler, the Depreciation Planner may be
used itself or in conjunction with the
Controller. The value of this family
concept of software is that each member
can be used by itself or, when combined
with other members, can produce an
overall system that is far more powerful
than if the members were unrelated. □

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

regmetmTrarara

ingliy j^^ KwoSife wlB^g^^MTO^^i

\orke Weigandt and Eric Hammond,
'av'ejj^erefflreCTKrafCTmff^^/g^^^OTyfl
reade game...”

Microcomputing Jan. ’83

IMjn^rnaY^ngttsrnroKnawengi^aKg^^^
lest arcader... ”

Creative Computing Jan. ’83

‘MARA UDER^mweimammm^aa^ r^ijs
mcommon W jm^^^^^d 3 M iiWS Iymm i
rw^M^tacoesw^ouMaetmvoiinmrionm^

ImmtMWHWJDER'

iH.eeiindsML)ocmtizi

Any arcade game can be fun the first 100 times you play it. It s the jewels
that play 200. . .or 300.. .or 500 times. Marauder - “You get your money's
worth” in a game that's“more than enough to challenge even the best
arcader.” They said it; we believe it. So will you.

Marauder is available for Apple 11/11 + (48K) and Atari 400/800 (40K) for $34.95. Order from your
local dealer or directly from: Sierra On-Line, Inc., Sierra On-Line Building, Coarsegold, CA 93614,
(209) 683-6858. CIRCLE 266 ON READER SERVICE CARD

ADD ONE DOLLAR FOR SHIPPING
ISA • MASTERCARD •CHECK • COD ACCEPTED

TM Designates a Trademark of Sierra On-Line, Inc.

WORD PROCESSING

SIMPLER

■■■■■■■■■■

Broderbund’s Bank Street
Writer turns your Apple or Atari computer into a powerful
word processor, with many of the advanced features you’d
expect to find only in an expensive business system. Powerful,
yet purposefully simple, Bank Street Writer has no complex
codes to memorize. The screen
guides you every step of the
way. It’s everything you’re ever
likely to need in a word proces-

functions with password pro¬
tection, ♦ Document chaining allows you to print documents
of unlimited length, ♦ Page headers and automatic page
numbering—top or bottom, ♦ Highlighting of text, ♦ Upper
and lowercase without additional hardware.

Broderbund’s Bank Street
Writer comes complete with
Tutorial and Utility programs, a
comprehensive reference man-

Bank Street

■I

■Hi

sor at a price you can afford.

Here are just a few of its many
features: ♦ Add, move, in¬

sert and erase blocks of text,

♦ Universal search and replace, ♦ Automatic centering and
indent, ♦ Automatic word wrap, so you don’t have to hy¬
phenate or “return” at the end of each line, ♦ Potent print
format routines all in memory, ♦ Disk storage and retrieve

ual and a free back-up disk.

Student approved, the en¬
tire system has been exten¬
sively tested by Bank Street
College of Education and Intentional Educations.

Bank Street Writer. The ground-breaking, sensible combi¬
nation of word processing power, thoughtful design, and
exceptional value.

WRITER

The First Word Processor For The Entire Family.

Hardware requirements: Apple version requires Apple II or 3.3. Atari 400/800 version requires 48K and BASIC cartridge. Both

Apple II + with 48K and Applesoft in ROM of language card, DOS versions require only one disk drive.

^frrxfeibund Software

1938 Fourth Street, San Rafael, California 94901, Telephone (415) 456-6424

Apple is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. Atari is a registered trademark of Atari, Inc.

CIRCLE 123 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Total Systems Concept

soffci/are®

The Ultimate Program?

creative coiapatiRg

SOFTWARE PROFILE

Name: Total Systems Concept
Type: Integrated Work Station
Author: Bob Cretin
System: IBM PC and others
Format: Disk

Summary: Comprehensive word
processing, spreadsheet, and
communications package
Price: $18.95
Manufacturer:

Bob’s Software
P.O. Box 71
Waunakee, WI 53597

The advent of the second generation
microcomputers—machines with 16-bit
architecture, capable of addressing as
many as a million bytes of memory—has
significant implications for business.
These machines are so fast and powerful
that they tend to invalidate the tra¬
ditional distinctions between micro,
mini, and mainframe computers.

This explosion of new hardware has
caught the applications software devel¬
opers with their trousers belted some¬
where near the knees. They haven’t quite
figured out what to do with a “mini¬
mainframe” so “surprisingly affordable”
that it can be planted on the individual
business executive’s desk like a dedicated
digital security blanket.

The trendy buzzword these days in
micro software development circles is
the “integrated work station” (IWS).

James Yerges, P.O. Box 71, Wanakee, WI 53597.

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

James F. Yerges

The compatible “Easy” packages from
IUS appear to be a nod in this direction.
The integrated MBA package from CMS
probably augurs the wave of the future.

I got a call recently from Bob Cretin,
the principal mover and shaker at Bob’s
Software, a local applications house. Bob
asked me to evaluate his new entry into
the IWS race— Total Systems Concept.
At first I demurred, pointing out that I
am not, by vocation, a software devel¬
oper, and that my programming skills
are rather rudimentary. I am running al¬
most exclusively canned software on my
IBM PC.

Word processing is the
mortar between the
building blocks of any
IWS package.

“Not to worry,” Bob assured me. To¬
tal Systems Concept is aimed squarely at
the businessman with little or no “com¬
puter literacy.” Bob is a believer in the
“transparent machine.” Anything that
requires more than ten minutes to learn
fails to qualify as user-friendly in Bob’s
“operating system.” Besides, I was the
only guy he knew who had been able to
scrounge up the six grand for a PC and
letter quality printer (LQP).

A Total System

TSC, as Bob calls it, is a software set
consisting of: word processing ( Tedious-

Writer); spreadsheet (VisiCrash); graph¬
ics ( Win-Lose-or-Draw); and communi¬
cations (WrongNumber).

The package shipped is on single¬
sided 5 %" floppy disks. I questioned
Bob about the wisdom of marketing a
system, ostensibly for novice computer¬
philes, that required so much un¬
prompted disk swapping. Bob explained
that he is pretty much locked into using
ten diskettes until he can solve his media
error problems.

I should explain that Bob uses his own
proprietary disk media. In an effort to
exploit the opportunity of the moment,
he has initiated a hardware and supplies
division, Bob’s Enterprises. He believes
that stringent cost controls and c< *mpet-
itive pricing are going to separate the
survivors from the also-rans in the field
of computing supplies.

I will admit that Bob’s diskette prices
are attractive. At $1.89 a dozen, few
other vendors can touch him. However,
I have heard it suggested that he has had
to make certain compromises in quality
to achieve this remarkable economy.
Consider, for example, the diskette en¬
velopes and jackets. They look remark¬
ably like the brown kraft paper used in
supermarket shopping bags.

On the back side of the envelopes,
there are little swatches of what cer¬
tainly appears to be Scotch Magic
Transparent Tape. In fact, the Pastor at
St. Bjorn Lutheran Church, in
Waunakee, once mentioned to me (more
or less in passing) that he thought Of
Bob might be running some sort of sweat
shop up at the Rest Home . . . dozens c f
old people, frantically cutting and fold¬
ing and taping supermarket shopping
bags .. . but, hey, that’s just idle gossip
and has nothing to do with this software
review.

Ultimate Program, continued...

Word Processing

Word processing is the mortar be¬
tween the building blocks of any IWS
package. So I first turned my attention
to Tedious Writer. The documentation is,
in a word, unique. Perhaps a better word
would be concise. It is handwritten, in
#2 lead pencil, on the back of the
diskette envelopes. Bob says that this ap¬
proach is more user-oriented, because it
eliminates the hassle of separate docu¬
mentation, which can easily be mis¬
placed, or even lost in mailing.

Bob has, in his words, “busted his
cheeks” to minimize the agony of the
first-time computer user. He has at¬
tempted to make it as simple as possible
for the experienced typist to transfer his
or her existing skills directly to the
computer.

Most of the WP programs currently
on the market claim to be either file-ori¬
ented or page-oriented. According to
Bob, TediousWriter is line-oriented. The
word-wrap scheme is a good example.
When the cursor reaches column 73 of
the 80-column display, the IBM PC
speaker sounds a remarkably bell-like
tone, warning the typist that only seven
spaces remain. Striking the return key
moves the cursor to the first space of the
next line down. According to Bob, this
gives the data entry technician (DET)
exceptional control over the right mar¬
gin of the text, including forced
hyphenation.

The indentation procedure is equally
human-factors-oriented for the con¬
verted typist. The DET simply strikes
the spacebar five times before typing the
first character of a new paragraph.
Alternatively, the tab key can be set to
perform the same function with a single
keystroke.

The pagination procedure is of the
what-you-see-is-what-you-get school.
First, the DET fills the 25-line screen of
the standard IBM PC display with text.
Then, a sheet of paper is inserted into
the LQP. (I used a 25 cps C. Itoh
Starwriter, but it probably doesn’t make
a heck of a lot of difference.) Then, the
arrow up key and the PrtSc key are
pressed simultaneously, to dump the en¬
tire contents of the screen onto the page.

Next, additional lines of text are typed
onto the screen until the original 25th
line scrolls off the top, and the paper

I would have been
willing to invest a bit
more time in learning
macro-instructions
initially, in order to
save time and effort
later on.

dump procedure is repeated. According
to Bob, page length and top and bottom
margins are totally under the control of
the DET by virtue of hands-on control
of the sheet of paper in the LQP.

I asked Bob what induced him to uti¬
lize this countertrendy approach.
“Experience,” replied Bob. This al¬
gorithm enjoyed years of success,
according to Bob, on the legendary IBM
Selectric. Even before that, it was
successfully executed on the pioneer
IBM Executive.

I can’t quarrel with the fundamental

premise on which Bob designed this
piece of software. It was very easy to
conceptualize. However, I found it
somewhat tedious to execute. I would
have been willing to invest a bit more
time in learning macro-instructions ini¬
tially, in order to save time and effort
later on. But that is just my personal
viewpoint. I could be wrong.

Consider this: Bob doesn’t believe that
the ten extra function keys on the PC
keyboard are a good idea for the busi¬
ness user. In fact, Bob’s Enterprises of¬
fers a prefabricated cardboard mask to
cover almost all of the non-standard
keys not found on a typical typewriter.
(The Simplifier, from Bob’s Enterprises,
P.O. Box 71, Waunakee, WI 53597.
$8.95. Send cash or money order—no
personal checks.)

I asked Bob if the package uses DOS
files, or some other scheme. He ex¬
plained that ITC doesn’t have a file sys¬
tem yet, but it should be coming in an
update pretty soon.

Graphics

Graphics is an area in which I have
very little experience, and even less
equipment, but I am currently lusting af¬
ter several of the multi-color plotters
that have reached the marketplace at un¬
der $2500. So I decided to give Win-
Lose-or-Draw a try. At least I could
watch it strut its stuff on the CRT.

Once again, in this program, Bob has
placed great emphasis on immediate
accessibility for the first-time user. The
screen represents a master 80-columns
wide and 25-rows high. The cursor can
be moved to any location within this co¬
ordinate array with the four cursor con¬
trol arrow keys. (There is a sort of a
little trap door in the cardboard Sim¬
plifier mask that opens to expose these
extra keys.)

Any of the standard keyboard sym¬
bols may be inserted at any location by
moving the cursor to the desired po¬
sition and striking the appropriate key.
This, according to Bob, gives complete
flexibility in the design of graphs, charts,
and so forth, without the use of confus¬
ing or difficult curve fitting or plotting
routines. Once again, the arrow-up and
PrtSc keys are pushed simultaneously to
begin printing.

Spreadsheet

I set the graphics software aside, and
turned my attention to the spreadsheet
program. Frankly, when I booted the
VisiCrash program, I felt that uneasy
sense of embarrassment that I* experi¬
ence when face-to-face with a blatant
ripoff. This spreadsheet program is
pretty obviously a look-alike to that
Gran’Daddy of them all, Visi-what’s-its-
name. I quickly keyed in a fairly trivial

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

AT SSI, WE GROW MORE THAN APPLES.

INTRODUCING SOME NEW FRUITS OF

...FOR THE ATARI

THE LINE IS RAPIDFIRE
THE GAME IS..

rfissp.

At SSI, we cultivated our fine reputation
in the computer gaming world by produc¬
ing some of the best Apple® games around.
But to paraphrase an old saying, “Man
does not live by Apples alone.”

So we bent our backs to the task of con¬
verting some of our Apple crops to the
ATARI® 400/800. The three games you see
above are the new fruits of our labor.

As part of our exciting RapidFire series,
they contain all the ingredients needed to
make the perfect strategy simulations for
your Atari. Rooted in popular science-
fiction and fantasy themes, they are
challenging and sophisticated — yet fast
and full of fun!

Best of all, they’re ripe for the picking at
your local computer/game store today!

■ CYTRON MASTERS™ puts you in charge of a
small army of Cybernetic Electronic Devices.
Your forces consist of laser-blasting shooter
units, kamikaze-like mine cytrons, mobile
bunker cytrons, guided missiles and anti¬
missiles. Use these mindless but deadly
machines to crush your hapless foes, and you
will someday become a ...Cytron Master !

On 48K disc for $39.95; 32K cassette for $34.95.

■ GALACTIC GLADIATORS™ takes you to a
remote comer of our vast universe to participate
in a wild and crazy cosmic shootout. We’re talk¬
ing about four-armed Froglodytes with phasor
rifles. Viking-like Wodanites wielding laser
swords, and ugly Mutants whose only socially
redeeming feature is their Death Touch. And
these are the nice folks! On 48K disc for $39.95.

®ATARI is a registered trademark of Atari Inc.

■ THE COSMIC BALANCE™ is a tactical space
game that not only lets you wage magnificent
starship battles, it gives you the chance to
design and build your ships from the ground
up! With a host of variable parameters to choose
from, you can equip your fleet with ships optimal¬
ly designed to suit your style of space warfare. On
48K disk for $39.95.

Coming soon - COSMIC BALANCE II — the

strategic-level adjunct to The Cosmic Balance.

If there are no convenient stores near you,
VISA and M/C holders can order direct by railing
800-227-161 7, x335 (tollfree). In California, call
800-772-3545, x335.

To order by mail, send your check to: Strategic
Simulations Inc, 465 Fairchild Drive, Suite 108,
Mountain View, CA 94043. California residents,
add 6 V 2 % sales tax.

CIRCLE 284 ON READER SERVICE CARD
WRITE FOR A FREE COLOR CATALOG OF ALL OUR ATARI GAMES TODAY!

Inflation Fighter

♦

Here

$995

Suggested

Price

Ust

Finally, a dynamic powerful, practical personal computer that is
fully Franklin Ace 1000 and Apple*" II compatible, yet, lower in
price than the competition. Uses existing available software. The
“ORANGE*" is the pacesetter of the future, with a swttchable
110-220 volt power supply, upper and lower case with lower
case locking key, enhanced audio and color functions, 8 slot
motherboard, game port, fully socketed I.C. board, a 3 ROM
operating system, 48K ram, fully expandible.

The “ORANGE+” will interface with peripherals that will work on
both the Franklin ACE 1000 or the Apple " II. Thousands of
existing software programs, hardware, games, peripherals and
accessories will plug right into the New “ORANGE*" COMPUTER.

Best of all is the Price.

The “ORANGE*" could easily be sold for $1500.00, But no, the
inflation fighter retail orice is only $995.00, thats right, Only
$995.00.

Schools, Groups and Companies can now purchase a quality
computer at a down to earth price. At these prices, now
everyone can afford a powerful personal computer for work or
play, add various peripherals and software to build a powerful
computer that can do everything the cpmpetition can, but for a
lot less money.

Ask your favorite dealer for the “ORANGE*" today, if he doesn’t
have one in stock tell him to write or call his local distributor
now.

The “ORANGE*" is fully Apple II and Franklin ACE 1000 compatible.

The “ORANGE*" is fully warranteed for 90 days, with a 9 month
extended warranty available for an additional $99.00.

Watch for future exciting products from the manufacturers of
the “ORANGE*" COMPUTERS.

Selected Distributorships Available. Dealer Inquiries Invited.

For further information, contact Collins International Trading Corporation, 16311 Ventura Blvd., Suite 500, Encino, California 91436.

213-906-3776

Franklin ACE is a trademark of Franklin Computer Corporation
Apple is a registered trademark of Apple Computer Inc.

Orange+ is a trademark of Collins International Trading Corporate

CIRCLE 129 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Ultimate Program, continued...

example problem, just to watch the piece
work.

The first time I asked for a re¬
computation of the sheet, I was re¬
warded with a display as surprising as it
was aesthetically fulfilling. Waves of
alphanumerics cascaded down the
screen. A frantic, frenzied scrolling oc¬
curred, employing every character in the
PC repertoire. And the colors! The in¬
credible diversity of shades and hues was
breathtaking.

I found this especially interesting,
since I have only a standard mono¬
chrome display.

I could easily have watched that dis¬
play for hours, but I began to detect the
tell-tale scent of smoldering bakelite, so I
stopped the program execution by strik¬
ing the Ctrl and Break keys simulta¬
neously. The PC took less than half an
hour to cool down to where it was safe
to use again. I don’t think the slight
thermally-induced warping of the boards
is going to be a significant problem.

Communications

I must express certain reservations
about the communications program,
WrongNumber. I booted the first disk,
and as I waited for the first prompt to
follow the Bob’s Software logo, the disk

drive began to chatter furiously. I have
never seen such emphatic software in¬
compatibility. The standard Tandon-
built drive sort of puckered up its little
trap door, emitted an unmistakably
anthropomorphic sound (sort of a
ptooi!) and violently regurgitated the
diskette, which struck me near the cor¬
ner of my right eye, inflicting a nasty pa-

I felt that uneasy sense
of embarrassment that
I experience when
face-to-face with a
blatant ripoff.

per cut. I did not attempt to re-boot the
disk.

After I got the bleeding stopped, I
called Bob and asked him about this
bug. He said that it would be fixed in a
future version, which would also include
a lot more of the features found in other
packages. For example, there will be a
database called Misfiler, and even an ar¬
cade-style game called HemaRoids
(Bob’s spelling). I asked him when we

could expect to see the update, and he
explained that he couldn’t be sure.
Computerland East said he couldn’t use
their IBM PC demo unit anymore unless
he bought something.

At $18.95, Total Systems Concept is
definitely competitively priced. How¬
ever, I would like to see some of the
promised refinements before I could
wholeheartedly endorse the package. I
understand the importance of timing in
securing a share of the market, but I am
afraid that Bob may be trying to move
too fast.

I also think he should consider releas¬
ing versions for more of the popular ma¬
chines. At the moment, TSC is available
only for the IBM PC, the Instructional
Assembly Language Simulator at Madi¬
son Area Computing Center, and the
Hybrid Computer on the tenth floor of
the Engineering Research Building of
the University of Wisconsin. I am afraid
that this is going to limit demand for the
package. □

Easy Writer II, etc. are registered trademarks of Informa¬
tion Unlimited Software. MBA is a registered trademark of
Context Management Systems. IBM, Selectric, and Exec¬
utive are registered trademarks of International Business
Machines. Scotch Tape is a registered trademark of the 3M
Company. Visi-what’s-its-name is a cloying reference to the
products of VisiCorp. “Surprisingly affordable" is an outra¬
geous euphemism first perpetrated by Mr. Roark, Rich
Corinthian Leather Software, Inc.

PUT PRICES IN CHECK

CARTRIDGE RIBBONS FOR

EPSON

MX-80

MX-100

$7 99

Mm ea

s 12 ”.

MIN. ORDER OF 4 RIBBONS

MIN. ORDER OF 3 RIBBONS

MEMOREX

LABEL

DISKETTES

SPECIAL

5 SINGLE SIDE DUAL DENSITY

$04 "

■ to
£

10 PACK

(5K/MIN

1 ACROSS 3 xIS 16 CONTINUOUS LABELS

COMPLETE LIME OF OTHER RIBBONS AVAILABLE, PLEASE CALL

ALL ABOVE PRICES INCLUDE SHIPPING

Check-Mate

51 DIAUTO DR. P.O. BOX 103

RANDOLPH, MA 02368

TOLL FREE 800-343-7706 IN MASS 617-963-7694

WE ACCEPT MASTER CARD & VISA
MASS. RESIDENTS ADD 5% SALES TAX

PHONES OPEN 9AM-7PM EASTERN TIME

[ free CATALOG

" WORLD’S LARGEST SELECTION OF

^ COMPUTER WP SUPPLIES AND ACCESSORIES!

■ One-Stop Shopping. More than
2000 products - from line-printer
paper to connectors and cables -
to help keep your minicomputer
or word processing system up
and running.

■ Quick, Convenient Ordering.

Expert assistance. By mail
phone or TWX. Your verbal PO.s
are always welcome.

■ Fast Delivery. Your order shipped
in 24 hours from the Inmac Center
nearest you. Overnight emergency
shipments also available.

■ Risk-Free Trial. Work-test any pro¬
duct in the catalog fa 45 days. If
not satisfied, return for full refund.

■ Guaranteed Quality. Field-tested
for precision performance and
compatibility. Backed by warran¬
ties ranging up to 10 years - and
some with Lifetime Guarantees.

inmao

Catalog Dept., 2465 Augustine
Drive, Santa Clara, CA 95051.

SEND TODAY FOR YOUR FREE 100-PAGE
INMAC CATALOG OR PHONE (408) 727-1970.

Please RUSH my copy of the Inmac Catalog.

CIRCLE 194 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Company

Address

"Ciiy

Phone

CIRCLE 125 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Computer Exchange — The Supply Center for the IBM-PC

SOFTWARE

for the
IBM-PC

★ Means a BEST buy.
Ad #962

Hot Line For Information
On Your Order
(503) 772-3803

BUSINESS

LIST

OUR -

PRICE

4F-ASHTON TATE. dBase II, requires CP/M 86 & 128K

$ 700

$419

dBase II. requires PC-DOS & 128K

$ 700

$449

APPLIED SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGY. Versaform

NEW!

$ 389

$265

0ATAM0ST, Real Estate Investment Program

NEW!

$ 130

$ 89

Write-On

$ 130

$ 89

EAGLE SOFTWARE, Money Decisions

NEW

$ 150

$129

H0WARDS0FT, Real Estate Analyzer If

$ 250

$189

INFORMATION UNLIMITED. Easywnter II (a WPS)

$ 350

$259

Easyspeller (88K Words)

$ 175

$129

Easyfiler (a DBMS)

$ 400

$299

INNOVATIVE SOFTWARE. T 1 M III (a DBMS)

$ 495

$369

•¥• INSOFT, Data Design (a powerful easy to use DBMS) NEW!

$ 225

$169

ISA. Spell Guard

$ 295

$220

ISM. MatheMagic

* MICROCRAFT. Requires CP/M-86

$ 90

$ 69

Legal Billing & Time Keeping — Verdict

$ 750

$395

Professional Billing & Time Keeping — Billkeeper

$ 750

$395

■¥■ MICRO LAB. The Tax Manager

$ 250

$189

•* * MICROPRO. WordStar® plus free WordStar Training Manual

$ 495

$249

MailMerge ! M

$• 250

Call

SpellStar™

$ 250

Call

3 Pak, Word & Mail & Spell, above 3

$ 845

Call

InfoStar

NEW!

$ 495

$335

ReportStar

NEW!

$ 350

$235

Note: Price increase due soon on Micropro, Cat!

first

MICROSOFT. FLight Simulator (by Sub-Logic)

NEW!

$ 50

$ 35

N0RELL, Visualize

$ 100

$ 75

Easy Data DBMS

$ 250

$189

NORTH AMERICAN BUS. SYSTEM. The Answer

$ 250

$169

PBL CORPORATION. Personal Investor

NEW!

$ 145

$ 99

* PEACHTREE. Peach Pak 4 (GL. AR & AP)

$ 595

$395

PERFECT SOFTWARE, Perfect Writer r *

$ 389

$239

Perfect Speller™

$ 189

$119

Perfect Filer ™

$ 289

$179

SELECT INFO, Select (a WPS)

$ 595

$339

SORCIM/ISA. SuperCalc

$ 295

$199

SuperWriter

$ 395

$269

STC. The Creator

NEW!

$ 200

$139

SYNERGISTIC. Data Reporter

NEW!

$ 250

$169

*VISICORP, VistCa!c®/256K

$ 250

$179

VisiDex or VisiSchedule. each

$ 250

$199

VisiTrend/Plot

$ 300

$219

VisiFile or Desktop Plan 1, each

$ 300

$239

UTILITY

1983 CE SOFTWARE AWARD:

"Copy II PC by Central Point Software is the best CE software buy of 1983. II will
copy more copy protected software and faster than any other backup system
Unlike other copiers it makes an exact duplicate of your original and it does 100%

1 verification of copy. Documentation is excellent''

1 * CENTRAL POINT. Copy II PC. Backup and Utility

NEW!

$ 40

$ 35

I NORELl DATA, System Backup

$ 50

$ 39

1 NORTON. Norton Utilities, 14 powerful programs. 3 disks

$ 80

$ 65

HOME & EDUCATIONAL

AUTOMATED SIMULATIONS. Temple of Apshai

$ 40

$ 29

Oil Barons

NEW'

$ 100

$ 75

BR00ERBUN0. Apple Panic

$ 30

$ 22

■^CONTINENTAL, The Home Accountant Plus

$ 150

$112

DATAMOST. Pig Pen or Space Strike, each

$ 30

$ 22

DAVIDSON. The Speed Reader

$ 75

$ 55

INFOCOM. Deadline

$ 50

$ 39

Zork 1 or Zork II or Zork III, each

$ 40

$ 29

* INSOFT. WordTrix

NEW!

$ 35

$ 29

QuoTrix

NEW'

$ 35

$ 29

ON-LINE, Golf Challenge

NEW!

$ 25

$ 19

Ulysses & The Golden Fleece

$ 35

$ 25

PBL CORP.. Personal Investor

$ 145

$ 99

SENTIENT. Cyborg

NEW

$ 35

$ 25

SIRIUS. Conquest or Call to Arms, each

$ 30

$ 23

SPINNAKER. Snooper Troops. #1 or M2, each

$ 45

$ 35

Story Machine or Face Maker, each

$ 35

$ 25

STRATEGIC. The Warp Factor

$ 40

$ 30

DISKETTES

Control Data Corporation 12 for 10 Special.

Limited Time!

CDC, 120 each. 5'4 with ring, SS, SD (Apple, IBM, etc.)

$ 450

$195

12 each, 5%. with ring. SS SO (Apple, IBM. etc.)

$ 40

$ 22

12 each 8". SS, SO

$ 51

$ 28

10 each. 5%. SS, DD (H/P, IBM. etc.)

$ 65

$ 49

IBM. 10 each, 5‘4, SS, SD (Apple, IBM, etc.)

$ 60

$ 45

10 each, 5%. SS, DD (H/P, IBM, etc.)

$ 65

$ 49

VERBATIM. 10 each 51*. with ring, SS, SD or SS, DD

$ 50

$ 28

MAXELL. 10 each, 5%. SS. DD or SS, SD

$ 55

$ 35

DYSAN. 10 each, 5U. SS. SD

$ 55

$ 39

10 each. 5. DS. DD

$ 65

$ 49

64K IBM-PC

*2850

System Includes
Two 320K Disk Orives
12" Green Amdek Monitor

90 Day Warranty

Call For Details And
Other Configurations

IBM is a trademark of IBM Corporation.

HARDWARE

for the
IBM PC

LIST OUR
PRICE PRICE

MEMORY CHIP KITS 1 64K addon to your memory cards 9 chips

200NS, tested and burned in. 90 day warranty $ 150 $ 59

Combo Plus, 64K with async. port $ 495 $359

Combo Plus. 64K with parallel port $ 495 $359

Combo Plus. 64K w/async & para $ 555 $395

CombD Plus, 64K w/async para 8 ctock/cal $ 595 $429

For above Combo Plus of 128K add $85, for 192K add $192, for
256K add $256

BUY VALUE of the YEAR:

RAM Cards come with DISRAM’ m software, Disk/RAM
software that makes your RAM look like a disk.

64K RAM Card (192K when full)

♦2 year warranty

192K RAM Card + 2 year warranty
CURTIS. PC Pedestal.' M for Display on PC

9 Foot Cable lor IBM Keyboard (extends 3' to 9’)

Mono. Extension Cables, Power and Signal

ComX

Dff/QNG p ---- 1 Ha - r< ?.- sk ’ 5 - eg

$ 395
$ 675
$ 80
$ 50
$ 55
$1995
$1995
$2495
$2995
$ 195

$149
$249
$ 65
$ 35
$ 45
$1495
$1495
$1895
$2295
$165

MICROSOFT

$ 350
$ 525
$ 875

$ 595 $449

DS1-501, 6 MB Hard Disk
DS1-512, 12 MB Hard Disk
DS1-519. 19 MB Hard Disk
MAYNARD, Floppy Drive Control Board, for up to 4 drives

With Serial Port add $40 For Parallel Port add $70.

64K RAM Card w/Panty
128K RAM Card w/Parity
256K RAM Card w/Parity

Q.C.S . Big Blue

# QUADRAM CORPORATION

Quadboard. 64K. expandable to 256K, 4 function board
Quadboard. 128K, expandable to 256K, 4 function board
Quadboard, 192K. expandable to 256K. 4 function board
Quadboard. 256K four function board
Microfazer, w/Copy, Par/Par. 8K, *MP8
Microfazer. w/Copy, Par/Par, 64K. #MP64
Microfazer. w/Copy. Par/Par. 128K. *MP128
Microfazer, Snap-on 8K, Par/Par. Epson. #MEB, w/PSI
Microfazer. Snap-on, 64K, Par/Par, Epson, *ME64, w/PSI
Ail Microfazers are expandable (w/copy to 512K) (Snap-on to 64K)

TG PRODUCTS. Joystick $ 65

•*«ab« «luo

Control Data or landun

DISK DRIVES. Double Sided 320K. Same as now

supplied with IBM—PC. Tested, burned in and with 1 each $ 650 $249

installation instructions. 90 day warranty by us 2 or more $ 650 $239

$435
$565
$635
$670
$119
$235
$345
$145
$235

$ 49

b4K plus

| CP/M-8Q operation

$ 600 $399

$ 595
$ 775
$ 895
$ 995
$ 159
$ 299
$ 445
$ 159
$ 299

PRINTERS AND ACCESSORIES

EPSON.

* NEC, Dot Matrix, 8023 Printer F/T

STAR MICRONICS, 9x9 Dot Matrix, lOOcps. 2.3K,Gemini 10"

9x9 Dot Matrix. lOOcps, 2.3K, Gemini 15“

ANADEX. DP8000 Dot Matrix, 120cps. Serial & Cent. Para. I/F
EPSON.

IBM PC to Epson or Star Micromcs
Apple Interface and Cable for Epson
Grappler-*- by Orange Micro, specify printer
Apple Graphics Dump Program
APPLE COMPUTER INC., Silentype Printer for Apple II
LETTER QUALITY - DAISY WHEEL PRINTERS:

OLYMPIA. ES-100. Printer/Typewriter, complete with serial
interfacing to the Apple II or IBM-PC
COMREX. Comriter CR-1. RS232 Serial l/F, 200 wpm
Comriter Tractor Feed for CR-1
SUPPLIES: Tractor Feed Paper, Ribbons, Heads, Qume Daisy Wheels & Ribbons.

CALL

$ 695

$525

$ 499

$385

$ 649

$495

$ 995

$495

$ 60

$ 45

$ 95

$ 59

$ 165

$119

$ 15

$ 9

$ 395

$335

$1735

$1295

$1199

$845

$ 118

$ 99

8" CP/M-80

LIST

OUR

BUSINESS & SYSTEM SOFTWARE

PRICE

+ ASHTON TATE dBase II

$ 700

$419

COMSHARE TARGET. Target PlannerCalc

$ 99

$ 39

Masterplanner

$ 325

$225

PlannerCalc Applications Pkg.

$ 50

$ 40

PlannerCalc Combo Pkg.

$ 125

$ 65

INFOCOM. Deadline

$ 60

$ 45

Zork 1 or Zork II or Zork III or Starcross, each

$ 50

$ 39

ISM. MatheMagic

$ 100

$ 75

MICROCRAFT. Legal Billing & Time Keeping

$ 750

$395

W Prof. Billing & Time Keeping — Billkeeper

$ 750

$395

MICROPRO. WordStar® plus free WordStar Training Manual

$ 495

$249

MailMerge™

$ 250

$ 79

SpellStar T M

$ 250

Call

3 Pak, Word & Mail & Spell. 3 above

$ 845

Call

InfoStar NEW!

$ 495

$335

ReportStar NEW!

$ 350

$235

Multi plan

$ 275

$199

Fortran 80

$ 500

$325

BASIC Compiler

$ 395

$295

COBOL-80

$ 750

$545

BASIC 80

$ 350

$275

muLisp/muStar-80

$ 200

$145

M-Sort-80

$ 195

$145

Edit-80

$ 120

$ 80

Macro-80

$ 200

$145

OASIS. The Word Plus (45,000 word verification)

$ 150

Call

PEACHTREE. Magic Wand

$ 500

$195

Series 4 GL, AR, AP or Inventory, each

$ 600

$395

Series 8 GL. AR, AP, Inv. or Pay. each

$ 750

$495

Series 9 Peach Text

$ 500

$330

Series 9 Spelling Proofreader

$ 300

$195

Series 9 Calc Mail List or Telecomm., each

$ 375

$245

PERFECT SOFTWARE. Perfect Writer T M

$ 389

$239

Perfect Speller™

$ 189

$119

Perfect Filer

$ 289

$179

MONITORS

NEC. 12“ Green

$ 249

$159

12" Color. Composite

$ 450

$349

SANYO. 9 B&W

$ 190

$149

9" Green

$ 200

$139

12" Green

$ 260

$199

13" Color, Composite

$ 470

$349

13" Color RGB

$ 995

$795

ZENITH. 12" Green

$ 150

$119

AMDEK. 12" Green *300

$ 200

$159

13’ Color 1, Composite

$ 449

$359

13" Color II. RGB. Hi Res. (Ap. II. Ill & IBM-PC)

$ 899

$799

13" Color III. RGB, Commercial, (Ap. II. Ill)

$ 569

$469

DVM, Color II or III to Apple II Interface

$ 199

$175

Note: Color II and III come with cable for IBM-PC.

MODEMS AND

TELE COMMUNICATIONS TERMINAL

HAYES, Micromodem II (for the Apple II)

$ 379

$275

Apple Terminal Program for Micromodem II

$ 99

$ 69

MICROCOM, Micro Courier for Apple II

$ 250

$125

Micro Telegram for Apple II

$ 250

$125

SSM. Transcend 1 for Apple II Data Comm.

$ 89

$ 69

NOVATION. Applecat II Modem

$ 389

$269

212 Apple Cat

$ 725

$599

HAYES. Stock Chronograph (RS-232)

$ 249

$189

Stock Smartmodem (RS-232)

$ 289

$225

Smartmodem 1200 (RS-232)

$ 699

$535

Micromodem 100 (S-100 bus)

$ 399

$275

SIGNALMAN. Modem MKI (RS-232)

$ 99

$ 79

IBM-PC to Modem Cable

$ 39

$ 29

AXLON. Datahnk 1000 Hand Held Communications Terminal $ 399

$325

♦.CORVUS SYSTEMS

* 6 Meg Hard Disk, w/o interface

$2995

$1895

W * 11 Meg Hard Disk, w/o interface

$4795

$2695

20 Meg Hard Disk, w/o interface

$5795

$3495

IBM PC Interface (IBM DOS). Manual & Cable 5

$ 300

$239

Mirror built in lor easy backup

$ 790

$595

Apple Interface. Manual & Cable 5

$ 300

$239

Omni Disk Server for Apple II (Special)

$ 990

$495

Omni Transporter Card Apple II (Special)

$ 495

$275

Omni Junction Box Set (Special)

$ 39

$ 25

Other Interfaces, Omni-Net. Constellation. Mirror. All in Stock.

H/P 7470A Graphics Plotter

$1550

$1195

m Ana H/P 41C Calculator

$ 195

$149

m. u H M H/P 41CV Calculator with 2.2K Memorv $ 275

$219

Full 41 accessory and software in stock. Call.

Portland. OR Cash & Carry Outlet. 11507-0 SW Pacific Hwy.. Terrace Shop¬

ping Center, Portland. OR. Over-the-counter sales only. On 99W between Rte.

217 and Interstate 5. Open M-F 10-6. Sat. 10-3. Call 245-1020.

ORDERING INFORMATION AND TERMS: All items usually in stock We immediately honor Cashiers Checks, Money Orders. Fortune 1000

Checks and Government Checks. Personal or Company Checks allow 20 days to clear. NoC.O.D. Add 3% for VISA or MC. Include telephone number Add 3°o for shipping,
insurance and handling (S.I&H) with $5 minimum. UPS ground is standard so add 3% more for UPS Blue with $10 minimum Add 12% total forS.I&H for US Postal. APO or FP0
with $15 minimum For Hawaii, Alaska and Canada, UPS is in some areas only, all others are Postal so call, write, or specify P0. Foreign orders except Canada for S.I&H add 18%
or $25 minimum except for monitors add 30% or $50 minimum. Prices subject to change and typo errors, so call to verify. All goods are new. include factory warranty and
are guaranteed to work Due to our low prices, all sales are final. Call before returning goods for repair or replacement. Orders received with msufficent S l&H charges will
be refunded ORDER DESK HOURS 8 to 6 PST. M F and 10 to 4. Sat. 1 PM here is 4 PM in NY

miD DCCTDCMPCC. We have been a computer dealer since 1978 and in mailorder since 1980 Banks: First Interstate Bank. (503) 776 5620 and Jefferson
UUK Ktr t KtlMlsto! State Bank, (503) 773-5333. We belong to the Chamber of Commerce, (503) 772-6293, or call Dun & Bradstreet if you are a subscriber.
Computer Exchange is a division of O'Tech Group, Inc.

'ROFESSIONALS WHO KNOW WHAT THEY WANT AND KNOW HOW TO USE IT.

FOR THE APPLE ll/ll*. Ill
UBalSJ DIRECT SUBSTITUTES
MICRO-SCI for APPLE DRIVES

Micro-Sci A2 drives and/or controllers are direct plug
compatible substitutes for Apple drives and controllers.

For Apple II

LIST

PRICE

OUR

PRICE

A2, 5*r, 143K Disk Drive

$ 479

$299

Controller Card for A2 Drive

$ 100

$ 79

A40, 5%*. 160K Disk Drive

$ 449

$339

A70, 5‘4", 286K Disk Drive

$ 599

$459

Controller for A40 or A70

$ 100

$ 79

Filer, Disk Utility Software

$ 20

$ 15

Manufactured
Exclusively for

gl Belle Howell b V ^cippkz computer

CALL US ON THE APPLE ME

LIST OUR
PRICE PRICE

The B&H Apple II* differs from tht'
Apple Apple II* only in that it is in
black hammertone color and its
warranty is longer.

Warranty: Factory warranty is by
Bell and Howell (not by Apple) and
is one year parts plus 90 day labor.
Warranty service available at Bell
and Howell service centers or
return to Computer Exchange

B&H APPLE 11+

64K STARTER SYSTEM "f ' $1,595
r SAVE $ 834

• 48K B&H APPLE II*

• ComX 16K RAM Card. 2 Year Warranty

« Micro Sci A2 Disk Drive with 3.3 Controller

• Central Point Filer, Apple II* 3.3 DOS plus many
utility programs

• Sanyo 9" Green Monitor

• RF Modulator (for color TV)

• Game Paddles

• Game with Color Graphics and Sound

B&H APPLE 11 +

64K (48K +OUR 16K CARD) $1725 $1150

Disk, Micro Sci A2 w/3.3 Controller $ 579 $ 378

Disk, Micro Sci A2 Only $ 479 $ 299

cipple ii/iiviie

supply center

HARDWARE

for Apple II

LIST

PRICE

* RAM EXPANSION:

* ComX RAM Card 16K $ 179

*. ALS, ADDRam 16K $ 149

m Microsoft. RAMCard 16K $ 100

m. Saturn Systems, RAMCard 32K $249

RAM Card 64K $ 425

Axlon. RAM Card 128K $ 475

RAM Disk System 320K $1395

80 COLUMN VIDEO CARDS:

4 ALS. Smarterm II $ 179

Dirt Cheap Video $ 89

Color II $ 179

Videx. Videoterm $ 345

Vista. Vision 80 $ 395

MISCELLANEOUS:

ALS. The CP/M Card $ 399

Z-Card $ 169

16K ADDRam Special $ 149

Synergizer w/S calc ♦ Condor $ 749
Axlon. 320K RAM Disk System $1395
ASTAR. RF Modulator $ 35

CCS. Serial Interface 7710A $ 150

Other CCS Cards in stock Call
Dan Paymar. Lower Case Chips $ 50
Don't Ask. DA0003 S.A. Mouth $ 125
4 Eastside. Wild Card, copier $ 130
Kensington. System Saver $ 90
Kraft. Joystick $ 65

Paddle $ 50

M&R, Sup R fan $ 50

4 Microsoft. Z80 Softcard $ 345

4 Softcard Premium Pack$ 695

Z80 Softcard Plus $ 645
16K RAMCard $ 100
Mountain. CPS Multifunction Card $ 239
Orange Micro. Grappler Plus $ 165
Practical Peripherals.

MBS 8K Serial (Epson) $ 159
MBP 16K Para (Epson) $ 159
Microbuffer II 16K. (specify) $ 259
Microbuffer II 32K. (specify) $ 299
4 PCPI. Appli-Card. 14 features

6 Mhz $ 595
RH Electronics. Super Fan II $ 75
SSM.A10-11 .Serial/Para.Interfaces 225

TG Products. Game Paddles $ 40

Joystick $ 60

Select-A-Port $ 60

4 Videx. Videoterm 80 col. $ 345

Soft Video Switch $ 35

Enhancer II $ 149

Function Strip $ 79

PSIO. Para/Ser Interface $ 229

Full Videx Line. Call. Up to 35% off.
WICO. Trackball $ 80

OUR

PRICE

$ 49
$ 79
$ 89
$169
$319
$375
$995

$139
$ 69
$139
$229
$199

$299
$129
$ 79
$529
$995
$ 25
$129
Call
$ 39
$ 85
$ 99
$ 69
$ 49
$ 39
$ 39
$245
$495
$459
$ 89
$199
$119

$129

$209

$229

$435
$ 59
$169
$ 29
$ 45
$ 45
$229
$ 25
$ 99
$ 59
$169

$ 55

SOFTWARE

on disk for Apple II/II+/IIE

BUSINESS

LIST

OUR

PRICE

Apple Computer. Inc.

The Controller GL. AR. AP $ 625

$299

Apple Fortran $ 200

$159

How to! (Educational) $ 50

$ 25

Apple Logo $ 175

$149

50% off other Apple Inc. software

Call

Applied Soft Tech., VersaForm $ 389

$265

Artsci, MagicWindow II New! $ 150

$ 99

Ashton-Tate. dBase II (CP/M) $ 700

$439

Continental. GL. AR, AP or PR. ea. $ 250

$169

1st Class Mail $ 75

$ 49

Home Accountant $ 75

$ 49

Hayden. Pie Writer (Specify brd.) $ 170

$ 99

+ High Tech., Job Cost System $ 750

$350

Info Master $ 189

$119

Howard Soft.

Real Estate Analyzer II $ 195

$129

Tax Preparer $ 150

$ 99

Info. Unlim., Easywriter (PRO) $ 175

$119

4 ISA. Spellguard (CP/M) $ 295

$ 99

LJK. Letter Perfect w/Mail Merge $ 150

$ 99

4 Micro Craft. (CP/M)

Professional Billkeeper $ 750

$395 1

Legal Billing & Timekeeping $ 750

$395 1

Micro Lab. Invoice Factory $ 200

$ 99

Tax Manager $ 150

$ 99

Micro Pro. (all CP/M)

WordStar® * Training Manual $495

$199

MailMerge™ $ 250

$ 69

SpellStar™' $ 250

Call

SPECIAL! All 3 above $ 895

Call

Data Star™ $295

Call

Microsoft. Multi-Plan (CP/M) $ 275

$175

Multi-Plan (DOS 3.3) New' $ 275

$175

Muse. Super Text 40/80 $175

$129

Super Text 40/56/70 New! $ 125

$ 95

4 On-line. Screenwriter II $ 130

$ 89

The Dictionary New! $ 100

$ 69

General Manager II New! $ 230

$155

Osborn e/C.P. Soft. (Disk and Book)

4 Some Common Basic Programs

75 Business, Statistics and Math

programs tor the Apple II $ 100

$ 49

4 Practical Basic Programs

40 more very valuable programs

beyond “Some Com BasicProg" $ 100

$ 49

Peachtree. Requires CP/M and MBASIC.

Specify Videoterm or 40 columns.

Series 40 GL & AR & AP. all 3 $ 595

$3s:

Series 40 Inv. or Pay., ea. $ 400

$275

Series 9 Text & Spell & Mail, all 3 $ 595

$395

Series 80 GL&AR&AP. Videx $595

$395 |

LIST OUR
PRICE PRICE

LIST

OUR

PRICE

Perfect, Perfect Writer

$ 389

$239

Perfect Speller

$ 189

$119

Perfect Filer

$ 289

$179

Quality. GBS w/3 gen. (a DBMS) $ 650

$475

Sensible. Sens. Speller, specify

$ 125

$ 85

Silcon Valley. Word Handler

$ 250

$139

Sof./Sys., Executive Secretary

$ 250

$169

Executive Speller

$ 75

$ 55

Solidus. Stockfile

$ 600

$350

Stockseller

$ 700

$450

Systems Plus

Acctg. Plus, General Ledger

$ 425

$295

Acctg. Plus. GL. AP and A/R

$ 995

$595

Acctg. Plus, above* Inventory

$1395

$775

Software Publishing. PFS II

$ 125

$ 85

Report

$ 95

$ 65

Graph

$ 125

S 85

Southeastern Data Capture, call to specify

SIC. The Creator NEW!

$ 200

$139

Stoneware. DB Master

$ 22 9

$155

DB Utility 1 or II

$ 99

$ 69

Videx.

Applewriter II preboot disk

$ 20

$ 15

Visicalc to 64K preboot disk

$ 50

$ 39

Viscalc to 176K preboot disk

$ 90

$ 69

VisiCorp/Personal Software.

Visicalc 3.3

$ 250

$179

VisiDex Special!

$ 250

$150

VisiFile

$ 250

$179

UTILITY & DEVELOPMENT

Beagle. Utility City

$ 22

DOS Boss

$ 18

Apple Mechanic New!

$ 22

Central Point Software

Filer, DOS Utility

$ 15

Copy II Plus (bit copier)

$ 35

Epson. Graphics Dump

$ 9

Insoft.

GraFORTH by Paul Lutus

$ 59

TransFORTH II by Paul Lutus

125

$ 99

Microsoft.

A.L.D.S.

125

$ 75

BASIC Compiler

395

$299

Cobol 80

750

$559

Fortran 80

195

$149

TASC Compiler

175

$159

Omega. Locksmith (bit copier)

100

$ 75

Penguin. Comp.GraphicsSys.New!$

$ 53

Graphics Magician New! $

$ 41

Phoenix. Zoom Grafix

$ 29

Quality. Bag of Tricks New! $

$ 29

Sensible. Back It Up, (bit copier) $

$ 49

HOME & EDUCATION

Broderbund.

Apple Panic

$ 21

Arcade Machine

$ 40

Choplifter

New! $

$ 26

Many others

Call

Budgeco, Raster Blaster $ 29

4 Continental. Home Accountant $ 75

Datamost. Snack Attack $ 30

Datasoft. Canyon Climber New! $ 30

Edu-Ware. Several in stock Call

Auto. Simulations.

Introductory 3-Pack $ 50

Hayden. Sargon II (Chess) $ 35

Infocom, Deadline $ 50

4 Insoft. Electric Duet by Lutus $ 30

Zargs New! $ 35

Spider Raid New! $ 30

Lightning. Mastertype $ 40

Microsoft. Olympic Decathlon $ 30

Typing Tutor II $ 25

Muse. Robot War $ 40

Castle Wolfenstein $ 30

On-Line. Frogger New! $ 35

Ultima II $ 55

Softporn (X Rated) $ 30

Piccadilly. Warp Destroyer $ 30

Sirius. Gorgon $ 40

Sir-Tec. Wizardry $ 50

Knight of Diamonds. New! $ 35

Sub Logic. Flight Simulator $ 34

Pinball $ 30

Strategic. Southern Command $ 60

OTHER BRANDS IN STOCK. CALL

$ 22
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Call

$ 35
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$ 40
$ 22
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$ 29
$ 39
$ 26
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$ 45

WHILE THEY LAST

• OVERSTOCK SPECIALS #

FOR APPLE 11/11+

ComX 16K RAM Card, 2 Yr. Warranty $ 179 $ 49

Microsoft 16K RAMCard $ 195 $ 89

Saturn Systems. 32K RAM Card $ 249 $169

ALS Synergizer Pack,

Supercalc plus Condor Jr. $ 749 $529

Videx Videoterm. 80 column card $ 345 $229

CCS. Serial Interface 7710A $ 150 $129

Centronics Interface 7728 $110 $85

Calender Clock 7424A $ 120 $ 95

Centronics Interface 7720B $ 120 $ 95

This Month 50% OFF While They Last

VIC 20 and VIC 20 Hardware and Software
ATARI. 400 and 800 Peripherals and Software
NEC. 8001 Hardware and Software
XEROX 820 Computer System, with Drives

MomterandCP/M.was$3,695.now$1.495
ANADEX. DP8000. Dot Matrix Printer. $495

AXLON The Leader in Atari Add-on's

4 Rampower 128K System
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A Master Looks At
Computer Card Games

The Card Stars—
Cribbage and Solitaire

The instructions that come with this
package make the point that video
games tend to come and go, since they
eventually lose their appeal to players.
On the other hand, some card games,
such as cribbage and solitaire, have
been played for centuries by millions of
players.

That point would appear to establish
the need for a computerized version of
these games. With cribbage, a compet¬
itive game played against other players,
this certainly makes sense; the computer
provides a handy opponent, available
whenever one feels like playing.

However, I question the need for com¬
puter solitaire. The four solitaire vari¬
ations on this program are authentic
portrayals of their pasteboard counter¬
parts and are indeed quite playable.
However, are these programs really nec¬
essary? I, personally, would prefer to
play solitaire with actual playing
cards—they can be moved around more
easily, without referring to computer
codes, they’re easier to read, and I, for
one, enjoy the tactile experience of han¬
dling and shuffling the cards.

Cribbage

Datamost has come up with a winner
in its cribbage game. The display is
colorful, with an attractive green back-

Ken Uston

ground, a cribbage board in the center of
the screen, and the player’s and Apple’s
cards on either side.

The play of this game is faster than if
playing cards were used. Dealing is com¬

puter-rapid, and the computer further
speeds up the game by rapidly calculat¬
ing the value of each of the hands and
the Crib—not an easy task.

It would be difficult to play this for
very long without getting much better at
the game. Aside from getting more
knowledgeable through more playing,
the player can also observe which cards
the computer saves for the crib and how
the cards are played on the field.

This version of cribbage has signifi¬

cant differences from the cribbage game
developed for the Atari by Thorn EMI
Video Programmes Ltd. Despite the
Atari capability for colorful graphics,
surprisingly the Apple version is in
color, and the Atari version is not. The
Apple package does a lot of the work for
the player, such as calculating the total
on the field and displaying the total
score. While this makes for easier play¬
ing, the Atari package more closely
resembles playing in a card game, where
the player, of course, must do these
calculations.

Several other options assist the player
in learning the game. He may ask the

GPeative GompafciRg

SOFTWARE PROFILE

Name: The Card Stars—Cribbage
and Solitaire
Type: Card Games
System: Apple II
Format: Disk

Summary: The standard game of
cribbage, played against the
computer, and four variations
of solitaire.

Price: $24.95
Manufacturer:

Datamost

9748 Cozycroft Ave.
Chatsworth, CA 91311

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

NOBODY EVER PLAYS
JUST ONE HAND OF STHP POKER.

There’s no such thing as a quick
game of Strip Poker. With two
captivating female opponents, this
fast-paced program features graphics
and game play so realistic that players
tend to lose track of time. Decorum
forbids that we actually show you what
happens on the screen. Suffice it to say
that our sophisticated software gives you
ample incentive to stretch your poker
skills to the limit!

Just to sweeten the pot, we’ve
added two new data disks... one with
two new female opponents, the other
with two males. The action is intense
and the stakes are high.

*Apple Data Disks available 4/1/83. Apple and Atari are registered trademarks.

If you have a keen competitive
instinct and don’t mind occasionally
losing your shirt, see your local computer
store or call us for Strip Poker today.

Atari (40K) and Apple II (48K) computers, $34.95 Diskette. Additional
Data Disks (specify male or female) $24.95 eaf

Look for these and other Art worx programs at your local computer
store. For a free catalog, write or call 800-828-6573. Artworx Software
Co., Inc., 150 North Main St., Fairport, NY 14450 (716) 425-2833

So you can play.

You’ll also appreciate the
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Apple Games, continued...

computer to display all combinations of
four cards out of the six he is dealt,
which helps in determining which two
cards to discard for the crib. The player
may also delay play for a while or halt
the game to give him time to evaluate
point calculations or strategy.

Solitaire

We are offered four versions of
solitaire:

Klondike is the popular version of
solitaire that we all played as kids. We
deal out seven piles of cards; the first
pile has only one card, and each
succeeding pile has one more card than
the previous one. The cards are played
in columns on the piles, in decreasing
denomination and alternating color, and
removed to form four packs, one for
each suit, ordered consecutively starting
with the ace. The undealt cards are
turned over one-by-one, and the player

may use them as appropriate. He may go
through the pack only once.

Klondike Variation is the same as
Klondike, except the undealt cards are
turned over three at a time and the
player may continue running through
the pack until he has no more moves.

In Picture Frame Solitaire, the cards
are arranged in a four-by-four square.
The objective is to put all 12 picture
cards in predesignated locations around
the periphery of the square.

For Pyramid, a 28-card pyramid is
formed, the goal is to remove as many
cards as possible from the pyramid.
Only two-card combinations totaling 13
may be removed (kings are automati¬
cally removed since their assigned value
is 13).

At first, the games play quite slowly
because it is necessary to learn the com¬
puter coding in order to move the cards
around. After a few games, however,
this comes almost automatically.

I suspect that most players would
rather play solitaire in the traditional
way, than use this program. This is be¬
cause the cards are much smaller than
conventional playing cards, and the suits
are more difficult to identify because of
unrealistic color contrast.

Solitaire, indeed, reflects a computer

April 1983 ° Creative Computing

The
Complete
Investment
✓ Analysis Package,

Qv Including:

Technical Analysis —. Fastest
charting • Dynamically changeable
time scales • Daily, weekly, and monthly
Charts • Moving averages • Trend lines • Price/
volume • Volume indicators • Oscillators • Custom
formulas • Compare issues or indicators • Search for and
select desired chart formations • Up to five years of daily data
per file • Automatic data, capture from two databases

Portfolio Management — Advance warning of positions about to go
long • Reports to screen or printer • Estimates out commissions for net

unrealized gain/loss • Tax accounting

Telecommunications — Access news, market commentary and quotes • Holds
20-30 pages of dialog for off-line review and printing

Available from '/our local
dealer o r Anidara . $395

with WCS Access Password
ond starter stock history
database

Dealer inquires invited

Apple pl^/tlo
IBM PC

Apple is o registered t.m
of Apple Computer. Inc.

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and source • fast compilation and execution • full language.

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MANX

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Apple Games, continued...

programming accomplishment of the
highest order, but there is serious doubt
in my mind whether these games have
significant practical value.

Gin Rummy

This package, I believe, fills a real
need. Have you ever wanted to play gin
rummy, but couldn’t find someone to
play with? Or maybe, really wanting a
gin rummy fix, you figured you might as
well play a game with your kid sister,
and instead of enjoying a game, you end
up as an instructor for hours on end.

Well, Datamost has solved this prob¬
lem with their Computer Gin Rummy
package. The Apple owner can now play
gin any time he wants, day or night,
against a quite capable opponent.

The player selects from one of three
gin games: the standard game that we
all know so well, in which players can
knock for 10 points or less; Knock, in
which the players may knock at any
time during the game and there are no
“lay-offs” (i.e., playing one’s cards on
the other player’s hand); and One-meld,
in which the players cannot knock, but
must keep playing until they “get gin.”

GPeative compatiRg

SOFTWARE PROFILE
Name: Computer Gin Rummy
Type: Card Game
Author: Art Carpet
System: Apple II
Format: Disk

Summary: Three gin rummy games

Price: $29.95

Manufacturer:

Datamost

9748 Cozycroft Ave.

Chatsworth, CA 95827

The program allows the player to ar¬
range his hand in any way he wants, at
any time he wants. This is done by
assigning letters to each of the cards. At
first it is a bit confusing to input the
data, but after a few hands, it becomes
almost routine.

The player’s cards are displayed face
up at the top of the screen; the comput¬
er’s hand is shown below, face down.
The discard pile and unused deck are
displayed at the right. The player is well-
prompted through the entire process.

When either the player or the com¬
puter knocks, both hands are displayed
face up on the screen; the computer ar¬
ranges the player’s meld so that he will
have the lowest possible point count. If
the player chooses to play his hand dif¬
ferently (I wouldn’t advise it), he is al¬
lowed to do so.

The program provides a helpful learn¬

ing assist in the gin no-meld option. Af¬
ter each hand, the player may request a
“summary”; the two hands are dis¬
played, as are each of the cards in both
the discard pile and the unused deck. In
this manner, the player can conduct a
“post mortem” and evaluate how he
(and the computer) played the hand.

At first, the player will probably de¬
stroy a few games. This, of course, can
be quite frustrating, particularly in the
middle of a close game. But that’s the
price one must pay to have a permanent
gin rummy opponent, any time, day or
night, rain or shine.

Apple 21

After playing a number of poor
adaptations of blackjack on home
systems,it is a pleasure finally to run into
one that’s authentic. Most of the other
versions unrealistically restrict the play¬
ers’ options. Apple 21 does not.

After the title screen is displayed, we
are given the option of playing at a $1,
$2 or $5 table. These have limits of $1 to
$100, $2 to $200 and $5 to $500, respec¬
tively. I tried betting $1 at a $2 table and
was reminded, “minimum bet is $2”;
when I tried to bet $300, I was told, “ta¬
ble limit is $200.” When I tried to bet
more than the amount remaining, I was
told,“You’re out of your league!!”

GPeative computiRg

SOFTWARE PROFILE
Name: Apple 21
Type: Casino Blackjack
Author: Bill Depew
System: 24K Apple, disk drive
(36K minimum for Disk II)
Format: Disk
Language: Integer Basic
Summary: A totally authentic version
of the casino game of blackjack
or “21.”

Price: $24.95

Manufacturer:

Softape

10432 Burbank Blvd.

North Hollywood, CA 91601

The game is played with one deck of
cards (eight decks are currently used in
Atlantic City, but single deck games can
be found in Nevada). We hear the deck
being shuffled and are reminded,
“You’re tapped. Need a loan?” When we
admit that we do, we are asked “How
much? (1 to 1000)?” (I once responded,
“No,” and was told, “we’re even
# 1 . . . GOODBYE,” and was dealt out
of the game.) This program means
business.

The players (from one to three are al¬
lowed) place their first bets and the
game begins. Each player’s two cards are
dealt face-up. The dealer is dealt two
cards, one face up and one face down.

Players have the option of hitting
(drawing additional cards), standing,
doubling down (doubling the amount of
the bet and taking only one more card),
or splitting pairs (making two hands out
of a hand with two cards of equal rank).

After splitting a pair, the player may
split again, up to a maximum of four
hands. If the dealer has an ace upcard,
the players may make an “insurance”
side bet, which pays 2-to-l if the dealer
has a blackjack (ace and a ten or face
card). I have never seen a home black¬
jack game with as complete a set of
player options (and I have played just
about every one that has ever been
produced).

The graphics are fine; the backs of the
cards are in multi-colored detail, and the
screen background is simulated green
felt (what else?). The amount that each
player has is displayed after each hand.

If you run out of money (you cannot
bet more than you have), you are offered
an additional loan. If any player chooses
to leave the game, he enters a bet of “0”;
he is told how much he has won or lost
and “goodbye.” The game continues for
the remaining players.

About the only blackjack playing I do
these days is on a computer (I’m not al¬
lowed to play blackjack in Nevada; al¬
though I won a lawsuit and am now
allowed by law to play in the Atlantic
City casinos, the rules there are too
tough). Apple 21 is the most realistic
simulated blackjack game I have seen to
date. □

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

ASHTON TATE

dBASE II. $529.00

BOTTOM LINE STRATEGIST. 279.00

C. ITOH

PROWRITER PARALLEL. 489.00

F-10 55. 1799.00

F-10 PARALLEL / SERI AL. CALL

GRAPPLER INTERFACE. 140.50

PROWRITER II. 789.00

CALIFORNIA COMPUTER SYSTEMS

ASYNCHRONOUS INTERFACE. $129.00

SYNCHRONOUS INTERFACE. 149.00

CALENDAR CLOCK. 105.00

RS252 INTERFACE. 124.00

PROGRAMMABLE TIMER FOR APPLE ... 99.00
COMSHARE TARGET MARKETING

PLANNER CALC. $79.00

TARGET FINANCIAL MODELING. 249.00

CONTINENTAL SOFTWARE

HOME ACCOUNTANT FOR APPIE. $69.00

HOME ACCOUNTANT FOR IBM. 129.00

DICTRONICS. INC.
RANDOM HOUSE ELECT. THESAURUS $129.00

PROOF READER. 50.00

EAGLE

MONEY DECISIONS. $119.00

FORCE II

MATH*. $99.00

FOX & GELLER

dUTIL. $68.00

OUICKCODE FOR dBASE II. 249.00

OUICKSCREEN. 129.00

CALL TOLL-FREE
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1 * 215 * 868*8219

T/MAKER COMPANY

T/MAKER III. $249.00

VIDEX

ENHANCER II. 119.00

VIDEX KEYBOARD ENHANCER. 99.00

VIDEX VIDEOTERM FOR APPLE II. 275.00

VISICORP

DESKTOP PLAN APPLE II. $184.00

DESKTOP PLAN IBM. 228.00

VISICALC. 184.00

VISICALC ADVANCED VERSION. 339.00

VISICALC BUSINESS FORECASTING. 89.00

VISIFILE APPLE II / IBM. CALL

VISILINK. 184.00

VISIPLOT FOR APPLE. 159.00

VISITREND/VISIPLOT. 228.00

IBM IS A TRADEMARK OF INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE,
APPLE IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF APPLE COMPUTERS,
INC., CROSSTALK IS A TRADEMARK OF MICROSTUFF. INFOSTAR
IS A TRADEMARK OF MICROPRO. PRICES. SPECIFICATIONS
AND AVAILIBILITY SUBJECT TO CHANCE WITHOUT NOTICE.
NOT ALL PROGRAMS AVAILABLE IN ALL FORMATS. PLEASE
CALL FOR ADDITIONAL PRODUCT INFORMATION.

MICROHOUSE

p.O. Box 499/1444 Linden street
Department 403
Bethlenem, pa 18016
Dealers inquiries welcome!

INTEGRAL DATA SYSTEMS

IDS MICROPRISM 480 PRINTER. $599.00

IDS PRISM-132 PRINTER. 1199.00

IDS PRISM-80 PRINTER.; 879.00

INTERACTIVE STRUCTURES

PKASSO. $145.00

INNOVATIVE SOFTWARE, INC.

TIM III. $369.00

GRAPHMAGIC. 69.00

MATHEMAGIC. 79.00

INFORMATION UNLIMITED SYSTEMS

EASYFILER. $349.00

EASYSPELLER. 159.00

EASYWRITERII. 279.00

MAXELL

FD-1 or FH-1-32 (8 SINGLE SIDED) . $41.50

FD-2 <8" DOUBLE SIDED) ... 48.95

MD*1 or MH-1 <5W SINGLE SIDED) . 31.25

MD-2 or MH-2 <5W DOUBLE SIDED) . 47.10

MICROPRO

CALCSTAR. $99.00

DATASTAR. 194.00

MAILMERGE. 139.00

WORDSTAR. 279.00

WORDSTAR/MAILMERGE. 369.00

MICROSOFT

128K RAM FOR IBM PC. $599.00

BASIC COMPILER FOR APPLE II. 315.00

128KRAMCARD. 539.00

192KRAMCARD. 639.00

256KRAMCARD. 769.00

64K RAMCARD. 399.00

MICROSOFT Z80 PREMIUM PACK. 575.00

MICROSOFT 280 SOFTCARD. 279.00

MULTIPLAN. 215.00

TASC APPLESOFT COMPILER. 149.00

NORTH AMERICAN BUSINESS SYSTEMS

THE ANSWER. $249.00

PEACHTREE

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE. $375.00

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE. 375.00

GENERAL LEDGER. 375.00

INVENTORY. 375.00

PAYROLL. 187.50

SALES INVOICING. 375.00

PERFECT SOFTWARE

PERFECT CALC. $139.00

PERFECT FILER. 279.00

PERFECT SPELLER. 139.00

PERFECT WRITER. 239.00

OUADRAM

128K MEMORY EXPANSION. $380.00

192K MEMORY EXPANSION. 475.00

64K MEMORY EXPANSION. 280.00

64K MEMORY UPGRADE. 129.00

MICROFAZERS ALL MODELS. CALL

OUADBOARD 64K. 499.00

OUADBOARD 128K. 649.00

OUADBOARD 192K. 749.00

OUADBOARD 256K. 829.00

CONTROLLER FOR ELITE I. $99.00

RANA ELITE 1. 379.00

RANA ELITE II. 559.00

RANA ELITE III. 729.00

SMITH-CORONA
SMITH-CORONA TP-1. $599.00

SUPERCALC BY SORCIM. $209.00

SPELLGUARD. 189.00

Learning
Can Be Fun

Micro Mother Goose

So your child watches Ernie and Os¬
car on Sesame Street but thinks that
your games on the Apple look like great
fun too. Micro Mother Goose may be just
the thing for you and your child.

Here is a disk with nine Mother
Goose rhymes (with full color and
sound) along with three games. But wait!
There is more to it than that. When you
open the package you will find six col¬
ored Mother Goose stickers, great for
books, computers, and TV monitors.

There is a colorful 11" x 17" “Micro
Do’s and Don’ts” poster, and you will
also find a 16-page manual that de¬
scribes the contents of the disk and dis¬
cusses “family computing.”

We are told in the literature that the
disk is “kid tested and child-friendly.” It
is, indeed. It is only necessary to use two
keys. The space bar selects items on the
pictorial menu, and the return key
starts a program running.

Each of the nine nursery rhymes
starts with a colorful graphic on the

David H. Ahl

screen. Next, the words to the rhyme ap¬
pear. After that, the tune of the rhyme
plays through the Apple speaker.

Many times in these pages, we have
recommended that an external speaker
be substituted for the internal Apple
speaker. At the risk of being redundant,
we again recommend that substitution.
You will be amazed at the difference a
$7.95 extension speaker from Radio
Shack makes in the sound of your Ap¬
ple. Played through such a speaker,
these nursery rhymes will have the
whole family singing along in no time
flat.

Two of the games on the disk are
based on “big people games.” “London
Bridge-Out!” is a slowed down version
of Break-Out. It starts with two rows of
ten bricks each and a wonderful spin¬
ning ball (you can even see the spin).
The movement is slow enough that even
a three-year-old will have no trouble hit¬
ting the ball two or three times with the
large paddle at the bottom of the screen.
However, on each level of the game,
there are more bricks and the ball moves
slightly faster. At higher levels of play,
the game is a challenge for even the most
accomplished Break-Out player.

The second game, “Splat!” is similar
to Kaboom or Popcorn. You have a bas¬
ket at the bottom of the screen which
must be moved back and forth to collect
six eggs which are dropped from the top.
When you have successfully caught a

half-dozen eggs, they hatch, and little
chicks emerge. The game ends after 100
eggs have fallen. The number of eggs
you have successfully caught and
hatched appears as your final score on
the top of the wall.

The third game, “Lamb Scramb!” is
the easiest to play. The object is to get all
of Mary’s stray lambs safely through the
hedge at the left side of the screen and
back to Mary. The lambs move around
on the right side of the screen. When one
is parallel with a hedge opening, you
press the button on paddle 0 and the
lamb scoots over to Mary. If you mis¬
judged the lamb’s position, it simply
bonks its head, bounces back, and
continues its up and down motion.

If all three of your lambs make it
through the hedge, you are a winner,
and Mary’s lamb song plays as her gar¬
den springs up all over the screen.

GPeative competing

SOFTWARE PROFILE

Name: Micro Mother Goose
Type: Games and graphics
Author: Sina Pettis
System: 48K Apple
Format: Disk

Summary: Games and nursery
rhymes for pre-schoolers
Price: $39.95
Manufacturer:

Software Productions Inc.
2357 Southway Dr.
Columbus, OH 43221
(614) 486-3563

April 1983 ° Creative Computing

Arlesians.

Win with brain power.
Not fire power.

ive into a different sort of
I battle. Artesians. It's a battle
of wits-not weapons.

And, it's the new video game that
be the most intense challenge
you've ever undertaken. Playing
will teach you to think like a master¬
mind. Your goal is to fill the jugs with
precious Artesian water But first, you
must maneuver through four floors
of increasingly complex maze-like
paths. Dodge rolling barrels. Duck
dangerous conveyor belts. And elude
your pursuers-Hank, the watchman;
Floyd, the dog, and an endless horde
of Artesians. Then, you've got to
cover all your tracks—and escape.

Artesians. The more you play, the
more infinite the complications
become.

So fire-up your brain power for
an evening of action. And match wits
with Artesians.

Artesians is a high resolution
arcade style video game written for
the Apple II, Apple II+, and the
Atari 400/800 home computer. Avail¬
able from computer stores or direct
from Rena-Soft, 1070 Shary Circle,
Concord, CA 94518. (415) 676-5757

Artesians. $34.95. Requires 48k.

Rcna ) Soft

Apple is a registered trademark ol Apple. Inc —~—

Atari 400/800 are registered trademarks ot Atari, Inc
"Artesians" is a trademark of Olympia Brewing Company

ARTESIANS. Different from the rest.

CIRCLE 252 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Learning Can Be Fun, continued...

All in all, Micro Mother Goose is a
delightful, wholesome disk of games and
nursery rhymes. The graphics are ex¬
cellent, the packing professional, and the
games fun. We also applaud Software
Productions for making this a non-pro-
tected disk so you can back it up without
fear of losing the original. While this
makes it easy for pirates to copy, we
think that most parents will want to get
the stickers, poster, and instruction book
and thus will be willing to pay for the
original product. Sina Pettis of Software
Productions promises us more “classic
family software” packages, and we are
looking forward to them.

PDI Preschool Library

The PDI Preschool Library consists of
a set of four tape cassettes (or disks and
audio cassettes) and a 12-page booklet.
Its purpose is “to help three-to six-year
olds develop certain critical skills that
will be needed when they start school.”
These skills include shape, number, and
letter recognition; the concept of same
and different; directional concepts;
listening; and hand-eye coordination.

The four titles in the package are: Pre¬
school IQ Builder 1 and 2, Sammy and

the Sea Serpent, and The Adventures of
Oswald.

Typical of the 16 programs in the IQ
Builder series is “Same and Different.”
Two figures appear on the screen. If they
are the same, the joystick must be
pushed forward; if they are different, it is
pulled back. Reinforcement, in the form
of a cute song, is given to correct re¬
sponses. Pushing the joystick button will
display the score to that point.

“Sammy” and “Oswald” are inter¬
active stories. Sammy is a sea serpent
who gets separated from his parents in a

creative compatiRg

SOFTWARE PROFILE
Name: PDI Preschool Library
Type: Skill Building
Authors: John Victor, et al.

System: 16K Atari
Format: Cassette or Disk
Language: Basic
Summary: Stories and games to
build basic skills

Price: Cassette $59.95; Disk $89.95
Manufacturer:

Program Design, Inc.

11 Adar Court
Greenwich, CT 06830

stormy sea. He is thrown onto the land
and wants to return to the sea. By listen¬
ing to the narrated story and following
the directions, the player can move
Sammy with the joystick through a
town, a garden, and various other
places, until he eventually returns to the
sea.

The narration is excellent and em¬
ploys appropriate music to go along with
the computer images. The animation is
simple, yet compelling. Children get
very wrapped up in trying to help
Sammy and are particularly anxious
when he shrinks from lack of food.
Fortunately, several obliging bugs,
which can be caught by Sammy under
the guidance of the player, flutter onto
the screen.

The booklet suggests appropriate

10 selectable modes of play, inclu
Easy, Competition, High Speed, at

40 user-adjustable parameters: ert
save your own custom games.

an instruction card, a hi-score disk'
a 16-page manual explaining all of

variations available

for only $29

LOGIC

713 Edgebrook Drive
Champaign, IL 61820
(217) 359-8482
Telex: 206995

BB3 ^ i .. .. n

See your dealer

CIRCLE 275 ON READER SERVICE CARD

ccepted.

plete unit data from rental history to pend¬
ing vacancies.

The Property Manager also handles the
finances like a full time CPA. Everything
from cash receipts/disbursements to ac¬
counts receivable, up to its own General
Ledger system. It even writes checks and
statements, prepares mailing labels and
almost any type of report you desire.

Get your copy of this easy-to-use, pro¬
fessional level program now. And forget
the aspirin!

SAY GOODBYE TO
PROPERTY MANAGEMENT
HEADACHES!

Apartments, condos, single homes,
taxpayer units, offices. Whatever type in¬
come property you have, the accounting
and record keeping chores are compli¬
cated and time consuming. To handle
them effectively and efficiently you need a
professional manager. And that’s exactly
what The Property Manager is.

Its capabilities are all-inclusive, yet ex¬
tremely easy to utilize. They cover com¬
plete tenant information, including move
ins, lease data, payment status. Plus com-

New!

The Property Manager
For Apple II*

Only

$295.00

Learning Can Be Fun, continued...

reinforcement activities for you and your
child that will expand on the concepts
presented on the computer. In summary,
we found the PDI Preschool Library a
valuable and highly motivational tool for
helping build important intellectual
skills.

Early Elementary Disk I

Early Elementary Disk I is a series of
four programs designed for pre-school
through the second grade. The programs
include ‘‘Count the Shapes,” ‘‘Color
Match,” ‘‘Number Drill,” and ‘‘Shape
Match.” In addition, the disk includes a
teacher management file which allows
the programs to be personalized and tai¬
lored to the age and ability of the
students.

When the disk is loaded, a menu
which allows the user to select any one
of the four drill programs or the teacher
management file appears. Upon selecting
a drill program, some simple instruc¬
tions are presented followed by a screen
which asks the student to type in his
name. Our experience with young chil¬
dren is that they are likely to type just

about anything. Unfortunately, the error,
trapping routines in the program are not
designed to catch garbage responses and
so a name such as &%$# will produce
the message ‘‘Illegal quantity error in
7560” and return the program to the Ba¬
sic monitor.

Assuming the user does type his name
correctly, the program uses it in various
reinforcement messages throughout the
lesson. Unfortunately, because these
messages are in high-resolution graphics,
the user’s name can be a maximum of
only six letters. Any name of seven or
more letters is abbreviated to the first
five followed by a period. As a result,
users wind up being called names like
Steph, Antho, Cathe, Rebec, Micha and
Jenni.

Okay, so tell the kids to use nick¬
names and let’s get on with it. The
presentation of the four drill programs is
more or less similar. An image appears
in the top half of the screen. This can be
a number of blocks, a color, a number
spelled out, or one of seven different
shapes. Every three seconds, the image
in the bottom part of the screen changes.
Eventually it matches (or is the right an¬
swer for) that on the top of the screen.

Apple Education Packages

Age

Subject

3-8

Early

skills

3-6

Early

skills

4-8

Early

skills

4-8

Early

skills

Title

Micro Mother Goose
PDI Preschool Library
Early Elementary I
Facemaker

Bumble Plot
Mop Town
Match Game
Tic Tac Show
Big Math Attack
Multiploy
The Arithmetic Classroom
Edu-Ware Fractions
Read and Solve Math Problems

Word Families
WordMate

Pal Reading Curriculum
Vocabulary Baseball
Magic Spells
Scramble

Word Scrambler & Super Speller
How to Read in the Content Areas

Fundamental Skills for Chemistry
Chem Lab Simulations
Weather Fronts
Tell Star

Understand Yourself
Lovers or Strangers

3-8

Numbers skills, logic

4-Adult

Logic

7-Adult

Format to present

7-Adult

drill and practice

7-14

Arithmetic

7-14

Arithmetic

7-14

Arithmetic

10-15

Fractions

9-15

Math word problems

7-11

Word recognition

7-11

Word recognition

8-13

Reading

9-Adult

Vocabulary

9-15

Spelling

9-15

Spelling

9-15

Spelling

10-15

Reading

15-18

Chemistry

15-20

Chemistry

9-14

General Science

15-Adult

Astronomy

14-Adult

Self-analysis

17-Adult

Self-analysis

Atari Education Packages

Facemaker 4-8 Early skills

Golf Classic & Compubar 8-12 Graphs, angles

Snooper Troops 11-Adult Note taking, reasoning

In other words, if there are four blocks
in the top part of the screen, the bottom
part of the screen will show a numeral.
Every three seconds, a different one ap¬
pears. The student must press any key
on the keyboard when the correct num¬
ber appears. Well, not quite any key. Ob¬
viously, reset is a no-no. But so is
beating on the keyboard, as that will
most likely result in the program blow¬
ing up with the message ‘‘Syntax Error.”

creative computing

SOFTWARE PROFILE

Name: Early Elementary Disk I
Type: Drill and practice
Author: Charles James
System: 48K Apple
Format: Disk
Summary: Drill for K-2
Price: $29.95
Manufacturer:

Compu-Tations
P.O. Box 502
Troy, MI 48099

However, assuming our users are
well-behaved and press the right answer,
they are rewarded with a word such as
‘‘great,” ‘‘right,” ‘‘good,” or ‘‘super” fol¬
lowed by some beep, bop, boop sounds
and a happy face with a blinking eye. A
wrong answer brings on a frowning face
and no sounds. At the end of ten prob¬
lems, a final score is given such as ”10
right, 3 wrong.” The program then asks
if you wish to return to the menu. We
found it somewhat disconcerting that
some responses must be followed by a
return, for example, the question to go
back to the menu, while other responses
did not require a return.

The teacher management file allows
the user to adjust the number of prob¬
lems (the disk comes set with ten to a
session), turn the music on or off, turn
the record keeping on or off (up to 35
students), view, delete, erase, or print
the class file and vary the speed of
presentation.

In summary, the concept of Early Ele¬
mentary Disk I is very good, but the
execution, particularly the error trapping
routines (if there are any), leave much to
be desired. Thus, we can only recom¬
mend this disk when it is used under the
close guidance of either a parent or
teacher.

Facemaker

Facemaker is a program designed to
introduce young children, ages 4 to 8, to
the computer keyboard and rudimentary
programming. The program is menu-
driven and easy to use.

102

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

TTs new Compact Computer*

It takes over your work, not your desk*

The ordinary personal computer
occupies too much of the ordinary desk.

Now Texas Instruments brings you a
cordless compact computer that solves the
same sort of problems as the Apple™ or
IBM™ personal computer. It has enough
memory and power for complex problems
in business and science, yet the whole thing
is smaller than a magazine page.

Sophisticated software is available right
now for finance, statistics, production
planning, graphics—and spreadsheet and
wordprocessing are just around the comer.

For most personal computer tasks, its
6K RAM and 34K ROM are ample. The
system is easily, economically expanded.

The TI Compact Computer 40 has
peripherals that make it even more useful:

*Based on published manufacturer's suggested retail price.

Apple is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc IBM is a
registered trademark of International Business Machines Corp.

a 4-color printer/plotter; an RS-232 interface
for talking with other computers or running
a larger printer; and TI Wafertape™ drive
for program or data storage. TI Solid State
Software™ cartridges offer you a choice of
convenient, foolproof programs.

Its built-in language is TI Enhanced
BASIC, which allows you to write programs
in everyday words. The integrated liquid
crystal display shows 31 characters, which
can be scrolled to show up to 80 per line.

It operates on four AA alkaline batteries that
give up to 200 hours of service.

The TI Compact Computer 40 offers
solutions anywhere you go. Yet it retails for
less than 1/3* the price of Apple™ or IBM™
personal computers. The TI Compact
Computer—compact in price and size, but
not in power. See it soon at your Texas
Instruments retailer.

Creating useful products
and services for you.

Texas
Instruments

CIRCLE 294 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Take that, bud. (And retaliate fast.

I know phone rates are low now, but
game's cutting into sack time.)

To all reps: Price changes on following
items effective immediately:

No. KM11A; 10-114A; 10-AL.

Hank: Here’s the report you’ve been
waiting for. Hope you put your system
on automatic and didn’t stay up.

programs

11111 Your computer’s telephone.

lUiiiiiinm HP" "l!

Whether they’re getting the jump on
the latest stock reports or waging galac¬
tic wars in the middle of the night, more
and more personal computer users are
communicating. With each other. With
offices. With networks, utilities and mail
services all over the country.

And Hayes is providing the commun¬
ications lint: A first-rate telecomputing
system that combines an intelligent RS-232
connect modem with a sophisticated,
easy-to-use communications program.

The Smartmodem 300. Think of it
as your computer’s telephone. Just plug
it into any phone jack, and the Smart-
modem 300 sends messages to and from

your personal computer, at 300 bits
per second, over ordinary phone lines.
Goodbye isolation. Hello world.

Your modem is the one peripheral that
makes your computer a computer system .
So it’s only natural that you’d want the
best modem for your money. (One that
comes with a limited 2-year warranty.)
The Smartmodem 300 is a wise choice.
Far superior to acoustic coupler modems,
which connect to the telephone receiver.
And it’s so easy to use.

It dials, answers and disconnects
calls automatically, operating with
rotary dials, Touch-Tone* ana key-set
systems. Plus it works at full or naif
duplex, which simply means that
connecting to a time-sharing system,
while it is a big deal, is no big deal to do.

Indicator lights let you see
what your Smartmodem is
doing, while an audio speaker
lets you hear it. (Is the remote
system down, or was the
line just busy? This way. you’ll know.)

Now all tnese extras aren’t absolutely
necessary. We could have gotten by
without them. But at Hayes, we’re not
satisfied with just “getting by.’’ That’s

why we made the Smartmodem 300 so—
well, smart. You can even program it.

In fact, we’ve provided one for you.

Announcing Smartcom II.™ The
communications program designed by
Hayes specifically for the Smartmodem.
If ever there was friendly software, the
Smartcom II is it!

The first time out, you’ll be creating
messages, sending them, printing them
and storing them to disk. Simultaneously.

Likewise, when you’re on the receiv¬
ing end. Only you really don't need to
be. With Smartcom II and your Smart-
modem 300, your computer does it all,
completely unattended! That’s especially
helpful if you’re sending work from
home to tne office, or vice versa.

But it's just part of the story. For instance,
before you communicate with another
system, you need to “set up’’ your
computer to match the way the remote
system transmits data. With Smartcom
II, you do this only once, the first time.
After that, the information (called para¬
meters) is stored in a directory on the
Smartcom II. Calling or answering a sys¬
tem listed in the directory requires just
a few quick keystrokes.

You can store lengthy log-on sequences
^ tne same way.

Press one key, and
the Smartcom II
automatically exe¬
cutes a whole string of numbers to connect
you to a utility or information service.

And if you need it, there’s always
“help.” Even while you’re on-line, the
screen will display explanations about a

1UU Ld.il SlUIC iCUg

(Jj Hayes'

Welcome toTELEMAIL! Your last access

was Tuesday, Jan. 4,1983 11:07 AM
CHECK’these bulletin boards:
TELEMAIL.. .TELESOFT...

prompt, message or parameter that will
get you on your way in no time.

Smartcom II also provides a directory
of the files stored on your disk. You can
create, display, list, name, re-name or
erase any file right from the Smartcom II

And now Smartcom II is available for
the IBM PC**and Xerox 820-IIt

Like all our products, Smartcom II
and the Smartmodem 300 are backed
by excellent documentation and full
support from us to your dealer.

So see him today. Link up to the excit¬
ing world of telecomputing. Get a tele¬
phone for your computer.

Hayes Microcomputer Products, Inc.
5923 Peachtree Industrial Blvd., Norcross,
Georgia 30092. 404/449-8791.

Smartcom II is ^trademark of Hayes Microcomputer
Products. Inc.

‘Trademark of American Telephone and Telegraph
* 'IBM is a registered trademark of International Business
Machines. Corp.

fXerox 820-11 is a trademark of Xerox Corporation
©1983 Hayes Microcomputer Products. Inc.

Sold only in the U.S.A.

Learning Can Be Fun, continued...

To build a face, you press 1. Then you
select various facial features: mouth,
nose, eye, ear, and hair. For each feature
you have eight choices. You simply se¬
quence through the choices with the
spacebar and select the desired one by
pressing return. That element is then
added to the face growing on the right
half of the screen.

At the Australian Computer Con¬
ference in Tasmania, Tom Stonier dem¬
onstrated a similar program with me as
the model. The students took great de¬
light in making choices for the facial fea-
tures exactly opposite my actual
features. My image wound up having
small, beady eyes; a bulbous nose; a

large, droopy moustache; huge ears; and
no hair.

Once a face is constructed, a primitive
program (more like a Logo procedure)
can be written to make the face smile,

wiggle an ear, frown, pause a moment,
wink and, finally, stick out its tongue.

In the past, I have suggested that a
“programmable” toy such as Big Trak is
a good pre-introduction to Logo. Now,
here is another with the advantage that
it runs on the same computer. In¬
cidentally, Spinnaker has recently in¬
troduced Delta Drawing, a drawing and
programming tool easier to use than
Logo but with many of the same educa¬
tional qualities. (We’ll have a feature re¬
view of this package in an upcoming
issue.)

Mode 3 on Facemaker is a memory

creative computing

SOFTWARE PROFILE
Name: Facemaker
Type: Educational game
System: 48K Apple, Atari, IBM
Format: Disk
Language: Machine
Summary: Draw funny faces
Price: $34.95
Manufacturer:

Spinnaker Software
215 First St.

Cambridge, MA 02142
(617) 868-4700

game. The face starts by doing one
thing, say wiggling an ear. You must
press E. It then does two things, say wig¬
gle an ear and smile; you must press ES.
The sequence gets longer and longer as
the game progresses. Correct answers
are rewarded with a pleasant sound
while an incorrect answer elicits a
Brooklyn razz.

Facemaker is an interesting and
highly motivational introduction to the
computer for young children. The ap¬
proach is clever and the graphics
outstanding.

Bumble Plot

The Bumble Plot disk is one of a series
of learning games for pre-school and ele¬
mentary age children from The Learning
Company. Each one is attractively pack¬
aged in an accordion-fold jacket and
comes with a full color, 12-page manual.
The outside of the package states the
learning objective and age range. For
example, the Bumble Plot package reads,
“Five challenging games that teach
number lines, negative numbers and
graph plotting. Ages: 8 to 13.”

Bumble is a friendly green bug who
acts as a guide to the child using the
learning activities on the disk. In the
first game, “Trap and Guess,” Bumble
thinks of a secret number in the range of
-3 to 3. On the screen is a display that
looks something like a ruler with grada¬
tions varying from -3 to +3. You first
try to trap Bumble’s number.

Let’s say you type in -2 and 1. In this
case, Bumble draws a purple trap
around the numbers in that range and
tells you whether the secret number is
inside or outside of the trap. If it is in¬
side, you can either type two numbers to
make the trap smaller or try to guess the
secret number. If the secret number is
outside the trap, you must type two
numbers to make a new trap.

“Bumble Bug” is a similar game, but
it is played in two dimensions. In this
case, the Bumble Bug is sitting on a grid
which varies from -2 to +2 in both X
and Y directions. You specify where you
want a trap, and the Bumble Bug hops

CIRCLE 186 ON READER SERVICE CARD

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Learning Can Be Fun, continued...

one space. Eventually, when he has no
place to go but into your trap, you win.

In “Hidden Treasure,” a larger grid,
varying from -5 to +5 in both direc¬
tions, is used. In this case, you are trying
to guess the location of buried treasure.
After each guess, Bumble tells you
whether to make your X number larger
or smaller and the same for your Y num¬
ber. After you retrieve six treasurers, a
cute little graphic is shown of Bumble
rowing them back to shore. This is a
particularly good feature of all of the
games from The Learning Company;
correct responses are rewarded and in¬
correct ones are not. Much of the educa¬
tional software on the market is deficient
in this regard. It is frequently more fun
to lose the game than to win it.

creative computing

SOFTWARE PROFILE
Name: Bumble Plot
Type: Educational Game
Author: Leslie Grimm
System: 48 K Apple
Format: Disk
Language: Machine
Summary: Makes learning fun
Price: $60
Manufacturer:

The Learning Company
4370 Alpine Dr.

Portola Valley, CA 94025

The other two games on the disk en¬
large upon the concept of grids. “Bum¬
ble Art” is a sort of connect-the-dots
game played on a grid varying from -10
to +10. “Roadblock” is a game in
which you must catch a moving bank
robber with five moveable roadblocks.
Each move is timed, but if you have
learned your lessons well on the previous
four games, winning this one shouldn’t
be too difficult.

With some of the other games from
The Learning Company, light cardboard
strips or key covers are included to di¬
vide the Apple keyboard into, for exam¬
ple, right, left, up and down.

Upon returning a warranty/registra¬
tion card to The Learning Company,
you receive a set of activity cards for
each disk purchased. Each set consists of
four double sided 5" square cards with
games and activities that reinforce the
computer programs. This is a thoughtful
touch; while The Learning Company
gains a mailing list, you get a nice extra
for your time and stamp.

The Learning Company has done an
excellent job with their entire line of
games, and we give them an A+ on
everything except their replacement disk
policy. They charge $12 for a back-up
disk which, in light of the fact that most

CIRCLE 231 ON READER SERVICE CARD

106

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

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Learning Can Be Fun, continued...

of the recreational software companies
charge $5, seems a bit out of line. How¬
ever, they probably know how educators
tend to “borrow” things from one an¬
other so their price may well be justified.

Mop Town

The Apple Special Delivery series of
educational programs is produced by the
folks at Advanced Learning Technology,
Inc. who are the same people who pro¬
duce the high quality programs for The
Learning Company. {Magic Spells is the
other disk currently available through
Apple. As the name implies, it deals
with spelling skills.)

Mop Town covers a wide age range,
according to the packaging: “4 to
adult.” Using a cast of 16 characters in
11 different games, Mop Town
emphasizes logic and attributes. The
four attributes are tall or short, fat or
thin, red or blue, and bibbit or gribbit
(bibbits have big noses and big feet,
whereas gribbits have tails).

As is stated in the rules, “Moppits get
along with each other very well because
they all follow the rules that govern Mop
Town. There are rules for just about

I I I

■

•1

■1

I £ l

everything that happens in Mop
Town—what house a Moppit can live in,
who can join a club; even who can be
next to another Moppit in a parade.”

For example, in Game 3, “What’s the
Same?” we find four Moppits living in

creative computing

SOFTWARE PROFILE

Name: Mop Town

Type: Educational game

System: 48K Apple

Format: Disk

Language: Machine

Summary: Learning logic attributes

Price: $50

Manufacturer:

Special Delivery Software
Apple Computer, Inc.

10260 Bandley Dr.

Cupertino, CA 95014

the same house. There is at least one
thing that is the same about all the
Moppits. After seeing the picture of
them, you must choose which attribute
they all have in common.

In Game 9, “Club House,” we learn
that “the Mop Town club house only
lets Moppits join that fit the rule.” The
object of this game is to guess the
membership rule. The rule could be a
single trait rule (e.g., only tall Moppits)
or a double trait rule (e.g. only tall and
fat Moppits). You select Moppits that
you think fit the rule. If they do, the
Moppit will appear in the club house; if
not, an “X” will mark the Moppit you

chose. When you think you know the
rule, you may type R (for guess rule).
You will be shown a list of possible
rules. Pick one and see if you are right.

The games are quite intriguing and
lots of fun to play even if you are not
trying to learn about logic attributes.
But when you sneak into the computer
room to play with the Mop Town disk
that you got for your children, better
turn off the sound or they will come run¬
ning, too.

We very much like the policy of Ap¬
ple Special Delivery Software which fur¬
nishes a back-up copy of each disk along
with the initial package. This certainly
overcomes the problem of making back¬
up copies or determining a fair price for
them.

Our applause to Leslie Grimm for an¬
other delightful learning game and to
Apple for their excellent distribution
and that “free” back-up disk.

Match Game

In the Match Game, the computer
presents a gameboard of four to twenty
numbered boxes. Players uncover two
boxes on each turn, trying to find boxes
with matching contents. To play well,
you must remember what is hidden in
each box as it is uncovered. The game
can be played with either exact matches
(the same word appears in two boxes) or
paired matches (such as synonyms,
translations from one language to an¬
other, or math problems and answers).

After power-up, you are asked
whether you want to make your own
game with exact matches, make your
own game with paired matches, play a
game you have saved on disk, or play
one of the seven games furnished with
the disk. These games include an exact
match of computer words and paired
matches of synonyms, French-English
words, addition, subtraction, multiplica¬
tion, and division problems.

Five board sizes ranging from four
boxes (two matches) to the largest board
with 20 boxes (10 matches) are available.

Up to four players (or three players
and the computer) may play simulta¬
neously. Of course, one player can play
alone to see how long it takes to find all
the matches. One player can also play
against the computer.

During play of the game, the program
tells whose turn it is. On each turn, you
press return to begin your turn, then
type in the number of the first box fol¬
lowed by return and the number of the
second box followed by return. If you
find a match, those boxes are flashed on
the board, and you get another turn.

At the end of the game, the score of
each player is shown, and the winner (if
there is one) is named. You then go back

creative coiapatiRg

SOFTWARE PROFILE

Name: Match Game

Type: Educational game

System: 48K Apple, 8K or 16K PET

Format: Disk or cassette

Language: Machine

Summary: Concentration revisited

Price: $29.95

Manufacturer:

Teaching Tools
P.O. Box 50065
Palo Alto, CA 94303

to a menu which allows you to play the
same or a different game with the same
or new players.

Match Game is suitable for use at
home or in the classroom. According to
the instruction booklet, “teachers have
found it useful for putting current read¬
ing words, spelling words, topic words,
or math facts in a game format.”

We found the game held the interest
of players of many ages. With larger
boards (12 or more boxes), most players
wanted to be able to write down the
math problems; it was just too difficult
to remember two- and three-digit num¬
bers and match them to corresponding
arithmetic problems. While this isn’t ex¬
actly the idea of Concentration, we still
felt that the Match Game was valuable
because it provided the motivation to do
the problems quickly and accurately.

108

April 1983 ° Creative Computing

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CIRCLE 305 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Learning Can Be Fun, continued...

Tic Tac Show

Tic Tac Show is an entertaining educa¬
tional game which simulates a TV game
show. The moderator sits at the left and
talks to you out of a cartoon-style bal¬
loon. On the front of her desk is the
score for the two players. To the right is
a large tic tac toe game board with the
numbers 1 to 9 on the playing positions.

Carol, the moderator, asks you to
choose a number from 1 to 9. After you
choose, a question is displayed. If you
answer the question correctly, that block

is filled in on the tic tac toe board in
your color. Next, it is the turn of the
other player (or the computer if you are
playing alone). So, effectively this is a
game of tic tac toe with the X’s and O’s
being placed based on correct answers to
various questions—reminiscent of the
old TV game show Tic Tac Dough.

The disk containing the game pro¬
gram has 14 categories of questions such
as computers, sports facts, French
vocabulary, Mother Goose, skiing, and
myths. Additional subject disks with
nearly 600 questions on each retail for
$19.95 apiece.

However, if you cannot find a subject
that you like, the game disk contains its
own authoring system which allows you
to type in your questions and answers
and save them on the disk. In this way,
you can create an entirely new topic or
topics. You can also add, edit, or delete
questions from the existing series.

To add some spice to the game (after

creative coiwpafciRg

SOFTWARE PROFILE

Name: Tic Tac Show
Type: Educational game
System: 48K Apple
Format: Disk
Language: Machine
Summary: New CAI variation
Price: $39.95

Manufacturer:

Computer Advanced Ideas
1442A Walnut St., Suite 341
Berkeley, CA 94709

all, tic tac toe is a bit dull), the designers
have included a “wildcard” function.
When this comes up in the game, the
current player gets an automatic pass
(equivalent to a correct answer). In addi¬
tion, in a tie game when the ninth square
is about to be played, the moderator
occasionally offers to toss a coin to de¬
cide which player gets it. More than
once, I have lost this coin toss to the
computer, and the computer is never
wrong.

In summary, the concept, presenta¬
tion and animation of Tic Tac Show are
outstanding. The editing mode allows it
to be adapted to a wide range of abilities,
age groups and topics. We give it our top
grade.

Big Math Attack

Big Math Attack is a mathematics
drill and practice program in the guise of
a Missile Command type of game.

At the beginning you choose which of
the four basic mathematics operations
(addition, subtraction, multiplication,
and division) you want and at which of
two levels you wish to play.

A stylized city that is under attack ap¬
pears near the bottom of the screen. The
words “Landed” and “Score” are

printed under the city. A rocket ship
speeds across the top of the screen drop¬
ping an equation such as 4 + 2 or 6 x 9.
You use the keyboard to enter the an¬
swer. Unfortunately, since the answer is
being reproduced on the screen in high-
resolution graphics, it takes quite a while
to reproduce each numeral. Con¬
sequently, you may type 12 very quickly
as the answer to a problem, only to find
that the computer has accepted only the
first numeral, 1. Although most players
were able to adjust, we found some were
more bothered by this time delay than
others. The delay is especially annoying
because speed is critical to the game
score. The quicker an equation is de¬
stroyed, the more points are awarded.
At first, the equations drop very slowly
on the city. As more equations are
solved correctly, the speed of their
descent increases.

112

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

America’s # 1 Software Dealer

Unfortunately, there is no way to cor¬
rect a typing mistake. Even if you have
plenty of time before the equation lands
on the city, once you make a mistake,
you are stuck with it.

The game ends when five equations
have landed (five missed problems) or
when a maximum score of 5000 is
reached.

The sound effects are interesting at
first, but become old fast. For classroom
use, it would be highly desirable to have
a way to disable the sound effects, but
none is included on the disk.

creative computing

SOFTWARE PROFILE
Name: Big Math Attack
Type: Educational game
System: 48K Apple
Format: Disk or cassette
Summary: Math drill and practice
Price: $25
Manufacturer:

T.H.E.S.I.S.

P.O. Box 147

Garden City, MI 48135

(313) 595-472 2_

Despite its shortcomings, Big Math
Attack probably provides a higher level
of motivation than other, more mundane
drill and practice exercises. Two years
ago, the execution would have been
considered outstanding; today we expect
more.

Multiploy

According to the instruction booklet,
“Multiploy combines the excitement of
an arcade game with the challenge of
learning and practicing arithmetic
skills.” Well, yes and no.

To play the game, you use the key¬
board to enter answers to problems that
appear in four descending Problem
Ships. A correct answer in your Answer
Window causes a ray to be fired from the
Answer Base which destroys one Prob-

creative computing

SOFTWARE PROFILE
Name: Multiploy
Type: Arithmetic game
Author: Paul Coletta
System: 48K Apple
Format: Disk
Language: Machine
Summary: Speedy drill
Price: $24.95
Manufacturer:

Reston Publishing Co.

Reston, VA 22090

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April 1983 ® Creative Computing

Learning Can Be Fun, continued...

lem Ship. If you enter an incorrect an¬
swer, the Problem Ship(s) continue to
drop, and the wrong answer disappears
from the Answer Window.

To speed up play of the game on lower
levels, the return key may be pressed
to clear the Answer Window of an in¬

correct answer or to fire a ray before the
computer normally would.

If a Problem Ship is not destroyed by
the time it descends about half way
down the screen, an indicator starts to
blink, warning you that the Problem
Ship will soon begin to shoot back. You
may continue to enter answers until the
Problem Ship either makes a direct hit
on the Answer Base or becomes a
Missed Problem.

The game ends when all the Problem
Ships have been eliminated or when a
Problem Ship destroys your Answer
Base. You are then given a rank based
on the number of Problem Ships you
eliminated.

In playing Multiploy , you can choose
an arithmetic operation ( + ,-,x,-^), level
of difficulty (1 to 3), and regular or
“lightning” speed. We found these op¬
tions provided a suitable starting point
for most youngsters in the target age
range of 4 to 14. You might want to give
that precocious kid multiplication prob¬
lems at Level 3, lightning speed. Just for
grins, I tried it and got a score of 8 (out
of a possible 40) for a rank of Uniploy.

While Multiploy superficially resem¬
bles an arcade game with its four flying
saucers and laser ray, it is actually drill
and practice with a fancy timing mecha¬
nism. It held the interest of some of the
youngsters who played it here although
to a lesser extent than Broderbund’s
Dueling Digits (an equation building
game in the arcade genre). Thus we sug¬
gest that Multiploy , like most educa¬
tional games, be used with adult
supervision and encouragement.

Fractions
—Basic Concepts

The Fractions—Basic Concepts disk is
one of a series of eight learning packages

in the Arithmetic Classroom series from
Sterling Swift Publishing. Each one is
packaged in a 7" x 9" three-ring binder
which contains brief instructions for
loading and using the disk, two sets of
practice exercises, five copies of a stu¬
dent achievement record, and an answer
key for the practice exercises.

The Arithmetic Classroom series is
virtually identical to Swift’s Elementary
Mathematics Learning series except that
it does not include the learning manage¬
ment system which contains mastery
tests, diagnostic/prescriptive functions
and an achievement record keeping sys¬
tem for up to 200 students. The
Arithmetic Classroom is available on
eight individual tutorial disks for $49.95
each. A three-game disk for reinforce¬
ment costs $29.95. The EMCL system
with the learning management disks
costs considerably more. Thus, the
Arithmetic Classroom disks, despite
their name, seem most suitable for home

use, although schools might want to get
individual units.

The Fractions—Basic Concepts pack¬
age is typical of the other eight. There
are five lessons on the disk, each of
which starts out with a tutorial. You are
led through this tutorial by a cute
androgynous (of indeterminate sex) car¬
toon character. The tutorial is a
combination of text and graphics, al¬
though no color or sound is used.

creative coirapafeiRg

SOFTWARE PROFILE

Name: Fractions—Basic Concepts
Type: Educational tutorial
Authors: Fawzy Tibrahim,

David N. McClintock and
Patricia M. Mullinix
System: 48K Apple
Format: Disk

Summary: Comprehensive learning
system
Price: $49.95
Manufacturer:

Sterling Swift Publishing Company
1600 Fortview Rd.

Austin, TX 78704

Following the tutorial, six related prob¬
lems are presented for you to answer.
After each answer, your friendly elec¬
tronic tutor (shall we call him/her
Terry?) gives you reinforcement by
dancing a jig, juggling his head, or
shooting an arrow which is actually your

| ACCURACY CHECK 1

MASTERY SCORE 1

YOUR SCORE

name. If you miss a problem, Terry is
not content merely to flash the correct
answer; rather he reviews the procedure
for obtaining it.

After the six problems, Terry shows
your score and asks if you would like to
review the concept further or go on to
the next lesson. If you have completed
several skills, before going on to the next
one, Terry gives you a short mastery test
of all of the previous ones. Again,
corrective feedback is provided if you
stumble on any of the problems.

The five student achievement record
sheets (which may be copied) provided
in the manual are a good place for keep¬
ing track of the progress of different
members of the family or students in the
classroom.

In our previous review, we were
enthusiastic about the Swift Elementary

Mathematics Classroom Learning Sys¬
tem. We are equally enthusiastic about
the Arithmetic Classroom. We like the
objective-based tutorial approach, the
drill and practice exercises which rarely
repeat, the excellent feedback in the
event of an error, and the positive
reinforcement for correct responses.

Our only negative observation is that
Sterling Swift does not have a policy for
obtaining back-up disks. They charge
$9.95 for a replacement of the original
disk. This seems a bit steep to us.

114

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

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COMPU-MUSIC

... And a waltz, a blues song,
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Roland, the world's leading pro-
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programming experience into a ^

high performance computer/
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that can easily be used by
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to the programmer with a
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The Roland Compu-Music
does for music what the
word processor has
done for words. The i

Compu-Music

software allows your bomputer to write,
program, change and store musical
compositions of up to eight voices,
plus a seven voice electronic
drummer. The Compu-Music
hardware (CMlj-800) is a music
synthesizer that plays these
musical parts.

The CMU-800 connects to your
computer through any auxiliary slot
and then connecting to any
amplifier or stereo system for perfor¬
mance. Because the Compu-Music
system is software based, it allows
for virtually infinite hardware
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Playing and programming the
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The Roland CMU-800
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Learning Can Be Fun, continued...

Edu-Ware Fractions

The Edu- Ware Fractions disk contains
four major components: a learning man¬
ager system which allows an adult (par¬
ent or teacher) to tailor the presentation
of the instructional materials, a pre-test
which measures the learner’s knowledge
and skills before entering any of the
learning modules, six learning units each
designed to teach a different skill used in
fraction computations, and a post-test
which assesses the learner’s new skills
after completing the units.

The six learning units cover defi¬
nitions and parts of the fraction, de¬
nominators, and fraction arithmetic
(addition, subtraction, multiplication,
and division).

Each learning unit consists of ten
pages (screens) of instructional material.
Pages are all done in high-resolution
graphics and use upper and lower case
letters, diagrams, and animation where
appropriate. Some of the pages are defi¬
nitions and demonstrations, while others

require the user to fill in one or more
blanks or complete a problem. These
frames lead the user step-by-step
through each part of the learning
experience.

For example, one of the more difficult
conceptual skills for learners to master is
that of equality. Hence, the unit on de¬
nominators introduces examples of frac¬

creative computing

SOFTWARE PROFILE
Name: Edu-Ware Fractions
Type: Tutorial

Author: Sherwin Steffin, et al.
System: 48K Apple
Format: Disk

Summary: Fraction tutorial
Price: $49
Manufacturer:

Edu-Ware Services, Inc.

P.O. Box 22222
Agoura, CA 91301

x tJtion
r>vx«j

Thp box or« the
right .s
one-fourth
filled.

Suppose that
three tines as
Much of the box
was filled.

Three-fourths of
the box would
then be filled.

tional manipulation and gives the
learner considerable practice. Skills in¬
troduced are: changing denominators,
finding the common denominator by us¬
ing prime factors, reducing denomi¬
nators, and finding the lowest common
denominator. Once the user has mas¬
tered these skills, he will have a much
easier time with the units on addition,
subtraction, multiplication and division
of fractions.

The user can move from any page in a
learning module to either the next page or

Scrambling Words

Within the past year, many manufac¬
turers have brought word scramble pro¬
grams to the market. In this
comparative review, we’ll take a look at
three such programs. Before rushing out
to buy one of these, you may want to
consider just what educational value
they have. Scrambled word exercises are
not in wide use in school curricula. The
computer makes it easy to mix up the
letters of a word, present it, and accept
guesses for the unscrambled word. But
does that help the student spell the word
or recognize it in context? Simply be¬
cause something can be done does not
automatically mean it should be done.
But if you think scrambled word ex¬
ercises are worthwhile, read on.

All three programs have certain ele¬
ments in common. All have two main
parts. The first part presents the scram¬
bled words, and then requires the user to
type the unscrambled words. A second
part of each package is an editor which
allows a teacher or parent to enter lists
of words, change words on existing lists,
display lists of words and the like.

Magic Spells by Leslie Grimm of Ad¬
vanced Learning Technology is distrib¬
uted by Apple Computer’s Special
Delivery Software Division. Of the three
programs, this is the closest to a game.
The disk opens with a high resolution
graphic welcoming you to Spells Valley.
You journey from there to the Kingdom
of Spells where you meet the Wizard of
Spells, who has twelve lists of twenty

words each to be unscrambled. You can
select any one of the lists.

The instructions tell us, ‘There are
twenty chests of gold and jewels hidden
throughout the castle. Each one may be
opened if you know the right spell.

“A word of warning . . . you are not
alone in the Castle of Spells. The spelling
demon will be close behind, waiting to
take some of your treasure should you
fail to give the correct spell.”

At the beginning of the game, you are
shown a screen with ten unscrambled
words on it. If you wish, you can write
these words down on a piece of paper.
Pressing return displays the second
half of the list. The word lists that come
with the disk are also found in the
appendix to the manual.

The unscrambling process then be¬
gins. Twenty closed treasure chests are
pictured at the top of the screen. A
scrambled word is shown in the center of

the screen. You type your guess for the
word below it. If your guess is correct,
the first treasure chest pops open and

creative GompatiRg

SOFTWARE PROFILE
Name: Magic Spells
Type: Educational game
Author: Leslie M. Grimm
System: 48K Apple
Format: Disk

Summary: Unscramble words

Price: $45

Manufacturer:

Special Delivery Software
10260 Bandley Dr.
Cupertino, CA 95014

you are awarded a number of points
corresponding to the number of letters in
the word.

If you spell the word incorrectly, a
clue appears below the scrambled word.
The clue shows the letters you placed in
the correct position and question marks
in the other positions. This clue remains
on the screen as you try to guess the
word again. You can try for the word as
often as you wish. When you get it, the
treasure chest is replaced by the demon,
indicating the word was spelled without
help but in more than one try. You and
the demon divide the points for that
word.

If you just can’t guess the word at all.

116

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

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com mil
lb the

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It’s an ad for NEC’s APC™
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A solutions-oriented system that
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The APC supports both CP/M-86™
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never see our systrj
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I saw. I don’t know hov
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Advanced Personal Compute^
And that from bu
who have tested t]

When you see the
understand why, a
others, all of these
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Our business software 1
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Learning Can Be Fun, continued...

the preceding one by pressing the right
or left arrow key respectively.

For those who prefer to get directly
into using the learning modules, the
learning manager system is not required.
However, the use of it allows a great
deal of flexibility in tailoring the learn¬
ing experience to an individual user. For
example, the instructional material can
be presented in a sequence which you
preselect, you can let the pre-test select
the learning sequence, or let the learner
choose his own learning sequence. You
can change the number of incorrect re¬
sponses the learner is allowed for a prac¬
tice problem before the system will take
him back to review material. You can
add or delete units to be tested in the
pre-test or post-test, change the number
of problems, view pre-test or post-test
scores, and so on.

The 14-page instruction manual de¬
scribes the use of the disk in detail, dis¬
cusses the learning manager system and
options, and describes the instructional
model (assumptions, objectives, sequenc¬

ing, classroom utilization) of the
package.

Edu- Ware Fractions is one of a series
of programs from Edu-Ware Services,
all of which we have found to be of ex¬
cellent quality. We also applaud Edu-
Ware for their policy providing low cost
($5.00) updates of their packages when
new ones are released.

Read And Solve
Math Problems

Read and Solve Math Problems is
called in the manufacturer literature, “a
progressive tutorial and drill program
that teaches the important elements of
word problems and conversion of writ¬
ten problems to number problems. The
program allows interaction between the
student and the computer, provides
reinforcement of all concepts, and
reteaching where necessary. The pro¬
gram is self-scoring and will not allow

the student to progress to higher level
concepts until the previous lesson has
been mastered.”

There are ten lessons, five on each
disk. The first two lessons focus on find¬
ing the key words in addition and
subtraction problems. The student is
given a series of problem statements in
which he must identify words such as
“altogether, in all, total, fewer, and
smaller.”

The lessons then progress to writing

KAY HAS il FISH. SAM HAS 9 FISH AND
JIM HAS 6 FISH. HOW MANY FISH IS
THIS IN ALL?

you can type an * and the unscrambled
word will replace the scrambled one.
However, in this case you get an empty
treasure chest and the demon takes all of
the points for that word.

At the end of the game, your final
score is displayed until you go back to
the main menu.

The editor portion of the disk called
Spells Writer has five options:

1. Enter a new list of words

2. Delete an old list of words

3. View a list of words

4. See list of file names

5. Copy list on printer

There are also options to make back¬
up copies of the disk, replace back-up
copies, and make word list disks. Each
of these editing functions is fully de¬
scribed in the comprehensive 2 5-page
manual. Words may consist of upper
and lower case letters, apostrophes, hy¬
phens, and periods. The left arrow may
be used to correct a spelling mistake
both while entering words with Spells
Writer and while playing the game.

The only problem we experienced
with the disk is that it is not tolerant of
rapid typing when you are playing the
game. This is because each letter is
shown on the high resolution screen and
it takes time for the computer to draw
the letter and get ready to accept the
next one. Error trapping is excellent,
and pressing reset in the middle of the
game is the only way to hang up the pro¬
gram that we found. The package comes
with both a master and a back-up disk
and is an all-around professional job.

Scramble by Ahead Designs is similar
in concept to Magic Spells but not in
execution.

Upon loading the disk, the user is di¬
rected to “Enter your name.” The screen
then displays the 20 words in word file
A. These are displayed one at a time;
pressing return brings up the next
word. This is a rather time consuming

procedure compared to displaying the
list in two groups of ten words each.

After the list of unscrambled words
has been displayed, the game starts. As
in Magic Spells , the screen is divided
into three parts. The top part has a grid
of 40 rectangles (4 x 10), each one being
worth five points. The center part of the
screen displays the scrambled word. If
you spell it correctly on the first try, two
rectangles in the grid are filled in for a
score of ten points. If you spell it in¬
correctly, there is no clue given. Instead,
the scrambled word is rescrambled and
shown again. In many cases, this second
scrambling is helpful in that it shows dif¬

ferent letter combinations and may point
the user to the correct word.

You have two tries to spell the word
correctly. If you spell it correctly on the
second try, your score increases by five
points. A misspelled word on the second
try causes “incorrect” to appear at the
bottom of the screen and the word is
automatically presented correctly
spelled. A new scrambled word then
appears.

If your score reaches 180 or higher,
“Super Speller” is displayed. Upon
entering the last word, you almost im¬
mediately get the message, “Game
Over,” and the screen is erased in
preparation for a new user who is di¬
rected to “enter your name.”

We found that some users were dis¬
appointed that their score disappeared
so quickly and could then be viewed
only by entering the Teacher Utility

creative computing

SOFTWARE PROFILE

Name: Scramble
Type: Educational game
Author: Sandy Head
System: 48K Apple
Format: Disk

Summary: Unscramble words
Price: $15.95
Manufacturer:

Ahead Designs
699 North Vulcan
Encinitas, CA 92024
(619) 436-4071

118

April 1983 ° Creative Computing

creative competing

SOFTWARE PROFILE
Name: Read And Solve
Math Problems
Type: Tutorial
Authors: Anne Edson and
Allan Schwartz

System: Apple, Pet, or TRS-80
Format: Cassette or disk
Language: Machine
Summary: Learn to solve
word problems
Price: 5 cassettes $78,

2 disks $85
Manufacturer:

Educational Activities Inc.
P.O. Box 392
Freeport, NY 11520
(516) 223-4666

equations and using them to solve addi¬
tion and subtraction problems. Since the
package is geared to grades 4 to 6, the

equations are relatively simple and con¬
sist of problems such as
31 + 18 = n

The second disk goes on to multiplica¬
tion and division problems along with
more addition and subtraction problems,
although no problems combine more
than one numeric operator.

After a basic concept is explained, a
typical screen presents a problem in the
top two or three lines. For example,
“there were 72 people at the rides. Each
car at the rides could hold 8 people.
How many cars were needed?”

The student is then asked to type in
the left side of the equation, in this case,
“72/8.” He is next asked for the vari¬
able, which is always n, and is told to
solve for n. Finally he is asked to type in
his answer with its label, in this case “9
cars.” After each correct answer, the
word “great,” “correct,” or “right” ap¬
pears on the screen in a cute graphic
form accompanied by some beeps and
boops. After all the problems in one les¬
son have been completed, a final score is

given by means of another cute animated
graphic presentation.

Included with the package are ten
reproducible activity masters to re¬
inforce the concepts presented and four
masters for use as pre- and post-test.

Read and Solve Math Problems is a
good solid tutorial and drill package and
should find favorable acceptance in the
classroom.

Golf Classic and
Compubar

Golf Classic provides practice in
estimating angles and lengths. When the
program is loaded, a bird’s eye view of
one hole on a golf course appears on the
screen. The ball is shown on the tee.
Your object is to “hit” the ball into the
hole on the green with the fewest pos¬
sible strokes. When it is your turn, the
program asks, “What angle would you
like to use?” You enter an angle between

menu. Calling this menu is also the only
way to change the starting word list.

The Teacher Utility also allows de¬
fault parameters to be changed, a word
file to be copied, edited, or displayed and
the list of student scores to be displayed.
The grade book records the scores of up
to 30 students. The scores are not saved
on the disk so they are lost, of course, if
the computer is turned off or reset is
pressed.

The disk is not copy protected so it
may be copied on a blank disk for regu¬
lar use while the master disk is kept in a
safe place.

The Avant-Garde disk, Word Scram¬
bler & Super Speller includes a spelling
practice program in addition to the word
scrambler program which some users
may find desirable.

The first time we loaded the disk we
were a bit put off. The opening title on
the disk takes an interminably long time
to appear, and the prompts and instruc¬
tions for using the disk are somewhat
cryptic. There is no instruction manual
or sheet with the package, and after it
was loaded we pressed reset at an in¬
opportune moment causing the disk to
self-destruct. Perhaps Avant-Garde has
deemed a copy protection scheme of this
type necessary, but we think that most
users will find it undesirable.

We were more careful with the
replacement and had no further trouble.

Unlike the other scramble programs,
this one does not show the word list in
advance. Instead, if you select the
scramble option, you are asked for the

amount of time you wish to allow to de¬
cipher a word and which of the three
word lists you wish to use. There are
lists for students in Grades 0-3 (words
with two to four letters), Grades 4-8
(four to eight letters) and “experts” (five
to fourteen letters).

The scrambled letters of a word ap¬
pear on the screen along with a counter
indicating the seconds remaining to
guess the word. We found this made
some users very nervous, and caused
them to “clutch” as in a timed exam.

When you type in a guess, the pro¬
gram indicates the number of letters that
are in the correct positions, but not
which ones they are. You get three
guesses to get the word, and you receive
one point if you get it without a hint and
one-half point if you need a hint.

One feature to which we object in this

creative conspafciRg

SOFTWARE PROFILE
Name: Word Scrambler &

Super Speller
Type: Educational game
System: 48 K Apple
Format: Disk
Language: Machine
Summary: Unscramble words
Price: $19.95
Manufacturer:

Avant-Garde Creations
P.O. Box 30160
Eugene, OR 97403
(503) 345-3043

program is that a correctly spelled word
is considered wrong if it is not the one
the program is seeking. For example, the
scrambled letters SINP appeared. We
entered SNIP and were told “That’s not
it. Try again.’’ Okay, we put in PINS.
Wrong again. Last try, NIPS. Wrong
again. The word the program was look¬
ing for? SPIN.

In the spelling practice mode of opera¬
tion, a word is quickly flashed on the
screen, and you must type it in. As with
the word scrambler, you get three tries
to get it. Incidentally, flash card
presentations are alternated with scram¬
bled words if you select the scramble
option.

Like the other programs, this one al¬
lows you to enter your own lists of prac¬
tice spelling words.

All in all, we felt that Word Scrambler
& Super Speller was the least user-
friendly of the three packages. However,
it offers the additional flash card spelling
practice mode that the others do not and
thus may better meet your needs.

April 1983 ° Creative Computing

119

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_Plus C.O.D. Charges ($3/kit) |

Prints on Federal Forms

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Your E-Z Tax Kit Includes...

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HELP

WToftpoffStcy

BOX 7676

SAN JOSE, CA 95150
(408) 998-1040

WATS LINE: (800) 331-1 040 -USA
(800) 344-1040-CA

CIRCLE 172 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Learning Can Be Fun, continued...

0 and 360 degrees and press the return
key. You may enter negative angles if
you wish.

A diagram in the lower right corner of
the screen shows a circle with four an¬
gular directions marked on it, 0, 90, 180,
and 270 degrees. Pressing H puts a grid
over your ball to assist you further.

After you have entered the angle you
wish, the computer asks, “How many
units long?” A line one unit long is
shown in the lower corner of the screen.
The unit length is different each time
you play a round. You may enter your
unit length using decimals as well as
whole numbers.

Once you land on the green, the com¬
puter putts for you and tells you how
many putts you took. Of course, the
closer you land to the hole, the fewer
putts the computer has to take for you.

There is a one-stroke penalty for going
out of bounds or into a water hazard.
When you are shooting from a sand
trap, your ball may go at a slightly dif¬
ferent angle or distance than you chose.

The game may be played by one to
four players. A reusable scorecard,
which may be marked with a wax
crayon or water-soluble marker, is in¬
cluded with the software package.

Compubar, according to the package,
“provides practice in reading graphs,
constructing arithmetic expressions, and
ment&l addition and subtraction.”

At the start of the game, five blue bars
between one and fifteen units long are
displayed in the top two-thirds of the
screen. At the bottom of the screen, a
green bar is displayed, also between one
and fifteen units in length. A horizontal
(x) axis with unit markers and labels at
0, 5, 10, and 15 is shown in the center of
the screen between the blue bars and the
green bar.

Your objective is to combine three or
more bars, from the blue graph to form a

creative computing

SOFTWARE PROFILE
Name: Golf Classic and Compubar
Type: Educational game
Author: William Kraus
System: 16K Atari 400 or 800

(cassette), 32K Atari 800 (disk)
Format: Disk or cassette
Language: Machine
Summary: Learn to estimate
angles and length
Price: $29.95 (cassette),

$32.95 (disk)

Manufacturer:

EduFun! Division
Miliiken Publishing Co.

1100 Research Blvd.

St. Louis, MO 63132

bar the same length as the green goal bar
shown below. You may use each blue
bar only once.

You press + to add a bar, - to sub¬
tract a bar, and S to stop when you have
completed your answer. If the red bar
you have made is the same length as the
green goal bar, you win. Perfect scores
earn a display of fireworks when you
stop.

We found in playing Compubar that,
in general, the answer must be com¬
pletely thought out before starting to
add and subtract bars. For example, in
one problem we had blue bars that were
11, 9, 5, 3, and 2 units in length. Our
goal was to construct a bar 15 units in
length. Only one solution is possible (11
+ 2-3 + 5=15). Trial and error was
not likely to yield this solution, particu¬
larly since you are not permitted to
make a bar less than 0 nor more than 15
units long at any time.

A reusable Compubar card on which
you may use a crayon or marker to
shade in bars and try to combine them is
provided. We found however, that most
users preferred to form an algebraic ex¬
pression and simply add and subtract
numbers rather than manipulating bars.
On the other hand, the algebraic ap¬
proach probably provides practice in
skills that are at least as valuable as
manipulating the bars.

We would have preferred that the pro¬
gram not return to the initial title after
completing an exercise but instead pro¬
vide the opportunity for another student
or group of students to play the same
game. We feel this approach is particu¬
larly desirable on the Atari computer
given its rather long load times. Never¬
theless, the package is well done and
representative of the high quality pro¬
grams in the Miliiken EduFun! series.

Word Families

Word Families contains three different
categories of material: beginning con¬
sonants, ending consonants, and medial
vowels.

Upon loading the disk, you are asked
to enter your name. You are then given a
choice of nine groups of words, three in
each of the three categories mentioned
above. The word list is loaded and shuf¬
fled and then presented, one word at a
time, at the top of the screen.

A word appears with one letter under¬
lined. Below it are four additional let¬
ters. From this group you select the
letters that will make a complete word
when substituted for the underlined let¬
ter. If your selection is correct, the letter
disappears from the list and the new
word appears on the stylized TV screen
at the bottom of the screen. If your

creative computing

SOFTWARE PROFILE

Name: Word Families

Type: Educational drill

Author: Robert Hartley

System: 48K Apple

Format: Disk

Language: Machine

Summary: Learn families of words

Price: $29.95

Manufacturer:

Hartley Courseware Inc.

P.O. Box 431
Dimondale, MI 48821
(616) 942-8987

selection is incorrect, the response is re¬
corded on the student file, but the screen
does not change. After finding all of the
words within a group, an X shows in a
small box at the right of the screen. This
signals the user to press return to
bring on the next presentation.

For example, in beginning con¬
sonants, the word like is presented with
the 1 underlined. Four letters are shown:
s, h, d, and b. In this instance, all the let¬
ters except s will form a word when sub¬
stituted for the 1.

After every ten correct responses a
clown’s face appears on the screen.

Lessons vary from 22 to 39 words
long. After a lesson has been completed

b icf

d s

the number correct out of the total num¬
ber of attempts will be shown. Pressing
the escape key exits the program at any
point and displays your results to that
point. Results are automatically stored
in the “student planning” file.

The student planning file holds
records for up to 100 students.

A second part of the disk allows a
teacher or parent to delete, add, and
examine words in the different lists. The
student planning file allows a teacher or
parent to examine previous scores, clear
the file, or print student records on a
printer.

Error trapping is excellent and short
of pressing the reset key, we found
nothing that would abort or destroy the
program.

122

April 1983 ° Creative Computing

HOME IS THE LAST PLACE
YOU SHOULD LEARN ABOUT A
HOME COMPUTER.

WANT TO LEARN SOMETHING

ABOUT HOME COMPUTERS?

HERE, ITS FREE.

AT HOME , IT COULD COST YOU.

No one expects you to know
everything about a home
computer before you
buy it. A fact
which is not
lost on

competition.

They know
that an impressively low price can
divert your attention from some depress-
ingly cheap features. So that you won't
know what you may be missing with
their home computer until after it's been
in your home for a while.

At which point, naturally, it'll cost
you to change your mind.

IT'S EASY TO TELL THE DIFFERENCE.

Fortunately, you don't have to be
a computer engineer to tell
what makes the
Commodore
VIC 20™ su¬
perior to the
competition.
All you have to
do is take advan¬
tage of three of your
five senses.

Use your sense of
vision and read this comparison
chart. You can see in black and
white where two of our major

competitors have skimped. Use your
sense of touch in the store. -
You'll feel the.VIC 20's su- ]
periority immediately. It feels
a lot more expensive than
it is.

If these two senses don't
convince you that the VIC 20
offers more for the money than
any other home computer, simply rely
on common sense.

NOW THAT YOU KNOW HOW EASY

A COMMODORE HOME
COMPUTER IS TO OWN, FIND

OUT HOW EASY IT IS TO EXPAN D.

One thing about home com¬
puters that you're bound to discover at
home is that, once you learn what they
can do, you'll want them to do more and
more. To do this, you may need acces¬
sories called peripherals. These let you

early to start planning to
add peripherals. If that's what
you think,you're once again playing
right into the hands of our competitors.

Because once they've gotten you to
buy their home computer, for what
seems to be a reasonable price, they
have you hooked on their system.

The costs of which, if you'll examine
the chart below, can really start getting
unreasonable. For example, while these
computers may seem to be close to the
same price to start, an expanded system

EXPANSION COSTS

VIC 20™ or
COMMODORE 64™

TI99/4A®

ATARI 400®

BASIC

Included

$59.95

Peripheral

Expansion System

Not

Necessary

$249.95

Not

Necessary

Disk Drive

$399.00

399.95

599.95

Disk Controller Card

Included

249.95

Included

Modem

109.95

224.95

199.95

Modem Interface

Included

174.95

219.95

TOTAL

$508.95

$1299.75

$1079.80

Manufacturer's suggested list prices: Prices per Tl June-December 1982 U.S. Consumer Products Suggested Price List.
Atari prices effective July 1, 1982 Suggested Retail Price List.

get more out of a home computer by
letting you put more into it.

They include items like cassette
recorders and disk drives to input data,
modems for telecomputing and printers.
And all VIC 20 peripherals are fully com¬
patible with the powerful Commodore
64™ personal computer.

PLAN AHEAD.

When you start looking at your first
home computer, you may think it's too

can cost you twice as much with Tl or
Atari as with the Commodore VIC 20 or
Commodore 64.

THINK OF IT AS BUYING A TOASTER.

It's easy to fill up a computer ad
with RAM's and ROM's, numbers and
technical jargon. But when it comes right

COMPUTER FEATURES

VIC 20

Tl 99/4A

ATARI 400

Typewriter Keys

Yes

Typewriter Feel

Yes

Color Control Keys

Yes

Graphics on Keys

Yes

Reverse Letters

Yes

Programmable Function Keys

Yes

Works with TV or Monitor

Yes

True Lower Case Letters

Yes

DISK FEATURES

Capacity

170K

90K

88K

U.S.A.—P.O. Box 500, Conshohocken, PA 19428; Canada—3370 Pharmacy Ave., Agincourt, Ontario, Canada M1W2K4.

down to it, buying a home computer is
just like buying anything else. It's impor¬
tant to know.just what you're getting
for your hard-earned money.

And we hope we've accomplished
that here by telling you about the cost of
expanding your Commodore VIC 20
or Commodore 64 computer.

ft commodore

v COMPUTER

CIRCLE 130 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Learning Can Be Fun, continued...

Word Mate

Word Mate is a game played against
the computer in which you produce
compound words from shorter words.
The object of the game is to help you
recognize closed compound- words.

At the beginning of the game, you are
dealt ten word cards. You try to match
two of the word cards to make a com¬
pound word. For example, if your word
cards are:

rain nest coat good
you would enter raincoat as a compound
word. Nest and good would remain in
your hand. The computer plays against
you. You can type one compound word
on each turn. If you cannot match two
words, you press the return key. The
computer then tells you how many cards

it has in its hand. You type the number
of the word card you want from the
computer hand. You and the computer
take turns until one of you finally wins.
Beware, the computer does not make
mistakes. Each compound word the
computer produces is shown on the
screen along with the two smaller words
from which it was made.

The disk comes with ten word lists of
ten compound words each. If you wish,
you can enter new words or entire word
lists. You can view the new words you
have loaded into a word file, but un¬
fortunately, you cannot view the 100
words that are already on the disk.

Word Mate is menu-driven and uses
colorful, high-resolution graphics to dis-

creative computing

SOFTWARE PROFILE

Name: Word Mate

Type: Educational game

System: 48K Apple

Format: Disk

Language: Machine

Summary: Learn compound words

Price: $25

Manufacturer:

THESIS.

P.O. Box 147
Garden City, MI 48135
(313) 595-4722

play all of the instructions and words in
upper and lower case. The program is
well designed and has good error trap¬
ping routines. Recommended for grades
3 to 6.

Pal Reading Curiculum

PAL (Personal Aid to Learning) is a
unique diagnostic and tutorial system
that goes well beyond the standard drill
and practice approach of so many other
programs. The Pal system covers read¬
ing education for grades two through
six.

The Pal system consists of two parts,
a master disk package and curriculum
packages. The master system contains a
disk with a mini operating system for the
Pal curriculum disks. It also includes an
upper/lower case chip for your Apple in
case you do not already have one in¬
stalled. This allows the lesson material
to be presented in a “real world” format
without having to use the high-resolu¬
tion screen. The booklet provides com¬
plete instructions for installing the chip.

Upon loading the system, Pal asks if
you know what objective you wish to
start with. The 32 objectives covered by
the Reading-Level 6 curriculum package
are listed on Pages 9-11 in the manual.
However, if you are not sure where you
want to start, Pal will suggest a starting
point. If you have not used the system
before, Pal will start at the beginning,
appropriately enough. If you have used
the system and recorded your previous
results, Pal will pick up where you left
off.

Initially, Pal instructs you to load a
Discovery Disk. This is an evaluator. It
has five questions on each of the 32
objectives. You can elect to take the en¬
tire 160-question test or just selected
objectives. At the end, Pal will give you
your score and indicate the areas, if any,
with which you had difficulty. There are
three discovery disks; Pal gives you ex¬
plicit instructions as to when to use each
one.

The Learning Disks contain the les¬
sons and exercises to correct the diffi¬
culties found on the Discovery Disks.
Instruction typically starts out with five
or six screens of tutorial material. Each
screen contains a modest amount of
information, in upper and lower case, of
course, with highlighting for the key
points. You can study this for as long as
you wish, and then press the space bar to
proceed. Fast readers will be a bit frus¬
trated at the slowness with which the
information appears on the screen; this
is because of the extensive amount of
disk accessing. However, for the most
part, the speed is appropriate for the
target grade levels.

After the tutorial screens, several
questions are presented. If you miss any
of these questions, or if you missed a
question on the discovery disk, Pal will
show you exactly what you missed, ex¬
plain why your answer was incorrect,

creative computing

SOFTWARE PROFILE
Name: Pal Reading Curriculum
Type: Tutorial
Authors: Dale Foreman,

Stanley Crane,
and Daniel Myers.

System: 48K Apple
Format: Disk

Summary: Great graphics and action
Price: Master $99.95
Manufacturer:

Universal Systems
for Education, Inc.

2120 Academy Circle, Suite E
Colorado Springs, CO 80909

and show you the correct answer. This
approach is far superior to systems that
simply tell you what you missed or just
show the correct answer.

Pal uses a mastered, tried and not
tried method of scoring, rather than a
raw score. The system can produce three
reports: a student report gives the
progress of an individual student, a class
report lists all students and shows their
progress toward a selected goal, and a
grouping report groups students into
three categories (mastered, needs more
work, not tried) on a selected objective.
These reports can be printed as well as
viewed on the screen. A Pal master disk
can keep the records for up to 30
students.

In summary, Pal is an outstanding
remedial/tutorial system with a friendly,
personalized approach that is non¬
threatening to the poor reader. It is vali¬
dated against the most widely used
textbooks and should be of interest to
parents for use at home as well as to
teachers for classroom use.

Vocabulary Baseball

Vocabulary Baseball is a multiple
choice quiz about vocabulary words in
the guise of a baseball game.

At the start of the game you are given
a choice of three games: a short (one-in¬
ning) game consisting of three outs (or
three incorrect answers), a two-inning
game which allows six incorrect an¬
swers, or a three-inning game which al¬
lows nine outs.

When the game starts, the upper two-
thirds of the screen is occupied by a styl¬
ized baseball diamond. An abbreviated

124

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

SPECIFICATIONS

OVERALL

Password Privacy System
Written in UCSD Pascal
Hard Disk Oriented
Operates on Apple III,
IBM PC

Most business people know
that there are two ways to
improve business profits: sell
more or spend less. The
Hardisk Accounting Series
from Great Plains Software
does both. And your profits
will never be better!

Great Plains Software im¬
proves business profits be¬
cause it accounts for them.
Your profit centers are iso¬
lated and unnecessary losses
are avoided - whether you're
using General Ledger, Ac¬
counts Payable, Accounts
Receivable, Payroll or Inven¬
tory with Point-of-Sale.

The Hardisk Accounting
Series is fast, powerful and
operates on popular mic¬
rocomputers. Don’t trust
your company’s profits to any
software other than Great
Plains Software. When it’s
time to see profits, the
Hardisk Accounting Series
is accountable!

Call or write your local com¬
puter store dealer or Great
Plains Software for more in¬
formation on how you can
account for your profits!

GENERAL LEDGER

All entries on line entire fiscal
year

Flexibly formatted financial
statements
Comparative income
statements and balance sheets

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE
Up to 32,768 customers*

Profit by customer, customer
type, salesman and state
Open item or balance forward
Automatically posts to G/L

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE
Up to 32,768 vendors*
Accommodates manual or
generated checks
Automatically posts to G/L
PAYROLL

Up to 32,768 employees*

Up to 25 deductions per
employee

Withholding computed
Prints W2, 941 and checks

INVENTORY
FIFO, LIFO, standard cost,
weighted moving average and
serial number valuation
5 price levels per part
Concise report including profit by
part and line

Point of Sale for cash and credit
sales

Part numbers up to 15 characters
Automatically posts to A/P
and A/R

*depending upon disk storage space
**TM UC Regents

Hardisk Accounting Series

Great plains

SOFTWARE

123 15 Street N., Fargo, ND 58102
Telephone (701) 293-8483

CIRCLE 179 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Albany Region

Don Francolino (203) 232*4529

Columbus Region
Harold King (614) 836-2373

Los Angeles Region
Terry Kramer (213) 921-2659

Kansas City Region
Dan Hennessey (612) 546-4888

New York Region
Bob Sochor (212) 696-9800

San Diego Region
Bob Norman (714) 894-1371

Atlanta Region

Preston Stone (404) 255-9438

Denver Region

Rosemary Shiels (303) 424-4467

Eastern Mkt. Manager
Ron Moore (817) 390-3527

Western Mkt. Manager
Scott Bowers (817) 390-3910

Boston Region

Dick Callahan (617) 848-0780

Detroit Region
Celia Magro (313) 552-9290

We Take Classroom
Computing Seriously

That’s why Radio Shack has a full-time Educational
Coordinator near you. These professionals are experi¬
enced field representatives for our classroom-proven
TRS-80®microcomputers and courseware materials.
Their job is to help you decide how your class or your
entire school system can benefit from the TRS-80. To
find out more, call one of your Radio Shack Educational
Coordinators today. They’re all across the country ...
and close by when you need them.

Radio /hack

The biggest name in little computers™
A DIVISION OF TANDY CORPORATION
CIRCLE 249 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Norfolk Region
Jerry Proffitt (919) 294-5503

San Francisco Region
Steve Terhune (415) 574-1708

Louisville Region
Penny Shattuck (312) 991-2275

Seattle Region

Annie Gillvan (206) 527-0940

Philadelphia Region
Donald Wallick (609) 829-6911

Tampa Region

Paul Hoagland (813) 886-2974

Chicago Region

' Donna Comber (312) 833-1010

Miami Region

Peter Lenkway (305) 748-3408

New Orleans Region
Sid Agent (214) 484-9943

Pittsburgh Region
Dave Castora (412) 833-1918

Washington, D.C. Region
Kevin Hogans (703) 527-2553

Learning Can Be Fun, continued...

Vocabulary Baseball Word Lists.

Single

Double

Triple

Meditate

Minatory

Susurrant

Assimilate

Replication

Apse

Apparent

Turgid

Rachitic

Berate

Incursion

Pullulate

Abscond

Effulgent

Denouement

Discrete

Anhydrous

Cajolery

Mandatory

Expatiate

Eclectic

scoreboard which indicates the number
of runs, hits, and outs appears on the
right.

As each player comes to bat, he can
try for a single, double, or triple. He is
awarded a hit if he correctly defines the
word presented. An attempt for a single
base hit results in an easier word, while a
player trying for a triple must guess the
meaning of a much more difficult word.
Table 1 shows seven words that we
found in each category. We felt that
many of the words in the triple group
were extremely difficult and not likely to
be known by any but the most dedicated
of lexicologists. For example, susurrant
is not even in Webster’s New Collegiate
dictionary. Furthermore, the definition
for apse required by the program is re¬
cess, which is a secondary meaning
again not listed in Webster’s.

The definition for replication required
by the program also calls for the second
meaning of the word (echo). For the
meaning of eclectic, which would you
choose, selecting or comprehensive? I
chose the latter but the program was
looking for the former. Playing a triples
only game, three innings, on average I
scored between 12 and 20 correct before
getting nine outs—and words are my
business!

When the player completes the pro¬
gram, if his score is higher than that of
the present record holder, his name and
total are recorded on the disk as the
score to beat. According to the instruc¬
tions, “this competitive aspect of the
game encourages students to try it again
and again. In this process they improve
their vocabulary.’’

The instruction sheet with the disk de¬
scribes how to eliminate names and

A HI

CONNOISSEUR MEANS:

1. CLIQUE

2. DEBUTANTE

3. EXPERT

k. SUBSTITUTE

RUNS 0
OUTS 0
INNING 1

k HIT! YOUR HITTER flOVES TO FIRST
PRESS ANY KEY FOR THE NEXT WORD

scores and start over with a clean slate.
It also describes how to list the existing
words and change them or their
definitions.

To restart the disk after a play of the
game, run must be typed, and the pro¬
gram starts over from the beginning. A
better way would be to ask, at the end of
the program, whether another student
was waiting to play or if the current stu¬
dent wanted to play again. This would
save having to reload the start-up
graphic, re-enter the student name, and
reload the word file.

Although there are nearly 1000 words
on the disk, the random number gen¬
erator appears to cause the program to

GPeative computing

SOFTWARE PROFILE

Name: Vocabulary Baseball
Type: Educational game
System: 48K Apple
Format: Disk
Language: Machine
Summary: Game to improve
your vocabulary
Price: $29.50
Manufacturer:

J & S Software
140 Reid Ave.

Port Washington, NY 11050

start at a similar point in the list each
time it is run. While this gives students a
head start on subsequent plays of the
game, (assuming they learned the defi¬
nitions from the previous game) it does
not expose them to as many new words
as one might expect. Nevertheless, we
judged Vocabulary Baseball an effective
vocabulary builder, although it is un¬
likely that many students will come to
know and use the words in the triple
category.

How To Read In The
Content Areas

How To Read In The Content Areas is
one in a series of software packages from
Educational Activities to help students
read with understanding.

The literature tells us that the pro¬
gram package is designed to help stu¬
dents master the following concepts:
“spotlighting for vocabulary building
and learning the meaning of new words
and concepts; surveying to determine the
information given in a particular read¬
ing; detecting main ideas and inferences;
recalling important facts, ideas, and de¬
tails; and utilizing and applying skills to
content areas.’’ This description re¬
minded us of jargon we have read in
educational grant proposals.

What the program boils down to is a
presentation of five or six paragraphs of
information followed by questions about
them. On each disk, are four programs
each of which presents five to eight

2. Local weather bureaus*
situated throughout the world* get
needed information from a world
organization. Farmers can
-forecast expected frost, sea
captains know when to change
courses* and airplane pilots know
where to fly around storms because
of the information provided by the
weather bureaus._

(Press Any Key To Continue)

screens of text on a particular subject.
Large upper and lower case letters are
displayed on the high-resolution screen,
so this is not as much text as it might
sound. Following the presentation of the
text, the student is presented with seven
questions (multiple choice, true/false,
fill in the blank and find a word) which
he must answer. If a question is an¬
swered incorrectly, the screen of
information from which the answer can
be derived is shown again, and the ques¬
tion repeated.

Although the manufacturer’s lit¬
erature tells us “through the clever use
of graphics, the microcomputer rewards
successful student performances with vi-

creative computing

SOFTWARE PROFILE
Name: How To Read In The
Content Areas
Type: Tutorial

Author: E. Insel and A.N. Rabin
System: 48K Apple
Format: Disk
Language: Machine
Summary: Reading skills
development
Price: $49
Manufacturer:

Educational Activities Inc.
P.O. Box 392
Freeport, NY 11520

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

127

For the authorized Apple dealer nearest you, call 800-538-9696 (800-662-9238 in California.)

Fruitful Connections

A joy to behold.

There are more people in more
places making more accessories
and peripherals for Apples than
for any other personal computer
in the world.

Thanks to those people —
in hundreds of independent
companies —you can make the
humblest 1978 Apple II turn tricks
that are still on IBM’s Wish List
for 1984.

But now were coming out with
our very own line of peripherals
and accessories for Apple® Personal
Computers.

For two very good reasons.

First, compatibility. We’ve
created a totally kluge-free family
of products designed to take full
advantage of all the advantages
built into every Apple.

Second, service and support.

Now the same kindly dealer who
keeps your Apple PC in the pink
can do the same competent job
for your Apple hard-disk and your
Apple daisywheel printer.

So if you’re looking to expand
the capabilities of your Apple II
or III, remember:

Now you can add Apples to
Apples.

The new Apple Joystick II is
the ultimate hand control device
for the Apple II.

Why is it such a joy to use?

With two firing buttons, its
the first ambidextrous joystick —
just as comfortable for lefties
as righties.

Of course, it gives you 360°
cursor control (not just 8-way like
some game-oriented devices) and
full X/Y coordinate control.

And the Joystick II contains
high-quality components and
switches tested to over 1,000,000
life cycles.

Which makes it a thing of
beauty’. And a joystick forever.

Gutenberg would be proud.

Old Faithful Silentype® has now been joined by New Faithfuls, the
Apple Dot Matrix Printer and the Apple Letter Quality Printer.

So now, whatever your budget and your
needs, you can hook your Apple to a printer
that’s specifically designed to take advan-
^ \ ^ tage of all the features built into your

||m|j ml | Apple. With no compromises.

^V\ MU Si" EL The 7x9 Apple Dot Matrix

; Printer is redefining “correspondence

^ quality” with exceptional legibility 7 .

With 144x160 dots per square inch, it can
also create high resolution graphics.

The Apple Letter Quality Printer,
which gets the words out about 33%
faster than other daisywheel printers
in its price range, also offers graphics
capabilities. See your authorized
Apple dealer for more information and
demonstrations. Because, unfortunately, all
the news fit to print simply doesn’t fit.

Launching pad for numeric data.

Good tidings for crunchers of
numerous numbers:

Apple now offers a numeric
keypad that’s electronically and
aesthetically compatible
with the Apple II
Personal Computer [

So you can enter
numeric data
faster than
ever before.

The Apple
Numeric Key"
pad II has
a standard
calculator"
style layout.

Appropriate,

CIRCLE 107 ON READER SERVICE CARD

because unlike some other key-
pads, it can actually function as a
calculator.

The four function keys to the
left of the numeric pad should be
of special interest
to people who use
VisiCalc® Because
they let you zip
around your
work sheet more
easily than ever,
adding and
deleting entries.

With one
hand tied be-
hind your
back.

VisiCalc is a registered trademark of VisiCorp. Inc.

A storehouse of knowledge.

the creek
"without
paddle?

Or left in space? Or down in
the dung

Whajever your games, you’ll
be happy to know that someone*
has finaly come out with game
paddlefbuilt to hold up under
blistering fire. Without giving you
blisters!

Apole Hand Controller II
game paddles w^ere designed with
one recejtt discovery in mined:

Peop Aplaying games get
excited andean squeeze very, very
hard.

ade the cases extra
tsed switches tested
|life cycles. We shaped
ding hands and placed
Itton on the right rear
Edmum comfort.

I never miss a shot.

So we
rugged. W
to 3,000,001
them for h<
the firing
side for n

If you work with so much data
or so many programs that you find
yourself shuffling diskettes con"
stantly, you should take a look at
Apple’s ProFile™ the personal
mass storage system for
the Apple III Personal
Computer.

This Winchestenbased
5"megabyte hard disk
can handle as much data
as 35 floppies. Even more
important for some, it
can access that data
about lOtimes faster
than a standard floppy
drive.

So now your Apple
III can handle jobs once
reserved for computers
costing thousands
more.

As for quality

and reliability, you need only store
one word of wisdom:

Apple.

Learning Can Be Fun, continued...

sual prizes,” the visual prize turns out to
be a word such as “nice,” “great,” or
“super” in large type on the screen.
However, users did not seem to object to
this nearly as much as they did to the de¬
lays in responsiveness of the software
when typing in word answers. The rea¬
son for the delay is that the letters are

displayed in the high-resolution mode,
and it takes the computer a while to
draw each one on the screen. However,
even fifth and sixth graders (the target
age range of the programs) were able to
hunt and peck faster than the software
was able to accept their answers.

On the bright side, each disk in the

How To Read In The Content Areas se¬
ries comes with five reproducible activ¬
ity sheets which contain key words from
the text in interestingly shaped word
search puzzles. The brief instruction
sheet includes a description of how to
use the program and answers for the
word search puzzles.

Profile of a Snooper Trooper

This year was 1978. The month
was January. The meeting was set for
the following Tuesday at the home
offices of one of the largest game
makers in the world. Tom Snyder,
now the president of Tom Snyder
Productions (formerly Computer
Learning Connection) in Cambridge
had an appointment with a key exec¬
utive at Parker Bros.—the head of
game acquisitions.

Tom recalls, “I had looked for¬
ward to the meeting for months, con¬
stantly redesigning my game called
Personk, a wood-wire-string contrap¬
tion that was a simplified model of a
computer. I had put an enormous
amount of my own time and money
into the project.”

When the fateful Tuesday finally
arrived, Tom discovered that all
along the meeting had been set for
the previous Monday. “It only took me
a few moments to realize that I had
subconsciously decided to miss the
meeting. I wasn’t ready to leave the
known, comfortable world of teach¬
ing to enter the competitive, intense
world of business.”

That startling moment of insight,
however, ended up being a turning
point in Tom Snyder’s life. “I went
back to the drawing board filled with
a compulsive burst of creative energy.
By the end of the week I had pur¬
chased a microcomputer and taught
myself to program. Next, I trans¬
formed the three-dimensional game
of Personk into a piece of micro¬
computer software for kids.”

Snyder followed Personk with a se¬
ries of educational simulations for his
students at Shady Hill School cover¬
ing such subjects as archeology,
community, energy, geography, and
geology. He and his venture capitalist
partner, Jere Dykema, soon sold
these programs, called “The Search
Series,” to McGraw-Hill. By then
the fledgling entrepreneur was ready
for the business world “and that time
I did not miss the meeting.”

Today, Tom Snyder is 32 years old,
recently remarried, and the owner of
an endearing old mutt name
Roqueforte. He continues to teach at

the same private school in Cambridge
“out of a sense of loyalty to the
school and a love of kids.”

He scored a notable success in late
1982 when his Snooper Troops I and
II became the first educational
gameware for home and school
computers to make the industry’s
bestseller list. These games, as well as
the upcoming The Most Amazing
Thing . . . ,were published, marketed,
and distributed by Spinnaker Soft¬
ware Corporation of Cambridge,
MA.

While Tom variously describes
himself as a design addict, pro¬
grammer, songwriter, advocate for
children and technology, teacher, au¬
thor, and entrepreneur, he also pos¬
sesses a well-deserved reputation as an
avant-garde thinker in the home and
educational software field. He is wary
of the drill-and-practice approach to
educational software. The material
Tom designs reflects his belief that a
classroom should be a “learning
environment,” a place where group
dynamics and proficiency in basic
reading and writing skills are more
important than using a computer.

He states, “The computer is there
as a servant or a tool. My goal as a
teacher isn’t to have the kids become
CRT nerds. I prefer to have students
take an active role with the computer
by making them responsible for keep¬
ing track of information and having
them work together in small groups.
To teach a set of skills, the software
must encourage kids to manipulate
numbers and facts and make
decisions.”

Recently, Tom and several col¬
leagues authored a book entitled
Computers in the Classroom. His
contribution was a series of vignettes
“all of which have a dour sound to
them because I am still very skeptical
about the use of computers in
classrooms.”

Tom Snyder, however, has no
skepticism about his own company
and its products. “We want people to
know that we are trying always to
write the highest quality, most enter¬
taining software possible. We’re fas¬
cinated with the technology, always
looking for excuses to design, and the
thing that keeps us honest is our
attachment to kids.”

130

April 1983 c Creative Computing

Everybody’s making money
selling microcomputers.
Somebody's going to make money
servicing them.

Now NRI Trains You At Home To
Make Money Servicing, Repairing,
and Programming Personal
and Small Business Computers

Seems like every time you turn around, somebody
comes along with a new computer for home or business
use. And what's made it all possible is the amazing micro¬
processor, the tiny little chip that’s a computer in itself.

Using this new technology, the industry is offering
compact, affordable computers that handle things like
payrolls, billing, inventor); and other jobs for business of
every size ... perform household functions including
budgeting, environmental systems control, indexing reci¬
pes. And thousands of hobbyists are already owners, exper¬
imenting and developing their own programs.

Growing Demand
for Computer Technicians

This is only one of the growth factors influencing
the increasing opportunities for qualified computer techni¬
cians. The U.S. Department of Labor projects over a 100%
increase in job openings for the decade through 1985.

Most of them new jobs created by the expanding world of
the computer.

Learn At Home
to Service Any Computer

NRI can train you for this exciting, rewarding field.
Train you at home to service not only microcomputers,
but word processors and data terminals, too. Train you at
your convenience, with clearly written ‘"bite-size” lessons
that you do evenings or weekends, without going to classes
or quitting your present job.

Your training is built around the latest model of the
world's most popular computer. It’s the amazing TRS-80™
Model III now with disk drive and the capabilities and fea¬
tures to perform a host of personal and business func¬
tions. No other small computer has so much software
available for it, no other is used and relied on by so many
people. And it’s yours to keep for personal and business use.

You get plenty of practical experience. Under NRI’s
carefully planned training, you even install a disk drive
verifying at each step its operation. Using the NRI Discovery

(TRS-80 is a trademark
of the Radio Shack
division of Tandy Corp.)

Lab® that
also comes
as part of your
course, you build and
stud)' circuits ranging
from the simplest to the
most advanced. You ana¬
lyze and troubleshoot using
the professional 4-function
LCD digital multimeter you keep to use later in your work.
Then you use the lab and meter to actually access the in¬
terior of your computer... build special circuits and write
programs to control them. You “see” your computer at
work and demonstrate its power.

Same Training Available With
Color Computer

NRI offers you the opportunity to train with the
TRS-80 Color Computer as an alternative to the Model III.
The same technique for getting inside is enhanced by
using the new NRI-developed Computer Access Card. Only
NRI offers you a choice to fit your specific training needs.

Become the Complete
Computer Person

In addition to training in BASIC
and advanced machine language, you
gain hands-on experience in the operation
and application of the latest computers

for both business and personal jobs. You’re trained to be¬
come the fully rounded, new breed of technician who can
interface with the operational, programming, and service
facets of all of today’s computers. You’re ready to take your
place in the new electronic age.

Other Opportunities

NRI has been giving ambitious people new elec¬
tronic skills since 1914. Today’s offerings also include
TV/AudioA'ideo Systems servicing with training on our
exclusive Heath/Zenith computer-programmable 25" diag¬
onal color TV ... Industrial Electronics, Design Technol¬
ogy... and other state-of-the-art courses.

Free Catalog . .. Mail Card Today

Send the postage-paid card for our 104-page catalog
showing all courses with equipment and complete lesson
plans. There’s no obligation other than to yourself. See
how NRI can help you take advantage of the exciting
job and earnings opportunities in the exploding field of
microcomputers. If card has been removed, please write
to us.

NRI Schools

McGraw-Hill Continuing
Education Center
3939 Wisconsin Ave.
Washington, DC 20016

We’ll give you tomorrow.

Learning Can Be Fun, continued...

While the approach of this package is
certainly pedagogically sound, we ques¬
tion whether it is worth $49 to replace
about 20 to 30 pages in a textbook. Un¬
doubtedly, the computer provides a level
of motivation that the textbook does not.
This suggests that these packages may
be most useful for remedial work or for
students who have difficulty keeping
their attention focused on a book.

Snooper Troops

Snooper Troops is a series of adventure
detective games which help children
learn to take notes, draw maps, classify
and organize information, and develop
vocabulary and reasoning skills. Chil¬
dren, did we say? Yes, but only if they
can shoulder the adults out of the way.

In Case #1, “The Granite Point
Ghost,” we read in the instructions,
“Someone is trying to scare the Kim
family right out of their new home. But
who? And why?

“As a Snooper Trooper, your job is to
find out. But it will take some daring
detective work. You’ll have to question

creative compatiRg

SOFTWARE PROFILE

Name: Snooper Troops
Type: Educational adventure game
System: 48K Apple or Atari 800,
disk drive

Author: Tom Snyder
Format: Disk
Language: Basic

Summary: Adventures go educational

Price: $44.95

Manufacturer:

Spinnaker Software
215 First St.

Cambridge, MA 02142

witnesses, uncover background informa¬
tion, and even search dark houses to find
the facts.

“The computer program provides you
with all the equipment you’ll need: a
SnoopMobile, a wrist radio, the
SnoopNet computer, a camera for taking
Snoop Shots and a notebook for keeping
track of the information you uncover as
you get closer to solving the mystery.

“Granite Point Ghost offers children
the challenge and excitement of solving
a mystery and features full color graph¬
ics and sound.”

We joined the case on Tuesday in
week 1. We were given Snoop license
number . 5 and connected with the
SnoopNet computer.

It told us that “Mister X will accept a
call at 357-7359 on Wednesday after¬

noon.” We were then allowed to look up
people facts, special messages, or old
clue files. We were also allowed to make
an accusation (it was a bit soon for that!)
or leave the office.

We elected to leave, hopped in the
SnoopMobile and paid a visit to a nearby
house. We stopped at 9 Larch Street,
went to the door of the house, and asked
the person who answered, “Where were
you the evening of April 6?” The person
replied, “Are you sure you have the
right place?” (this was listed as clue
896). Since we could not satisfactorily
answer the question, the door was
slammed in our face.

We then went around to the right side
of the house and entered through an
open basement window to take some
Snoop Shots.

Thus started our adventure to find out
who was trying to scare the Kim family
out of their home and why.

Although this is billed as an educa¬
tional adventure for children, we found
it was quite challenging and not some¬
thing that could easily be solved in 10 or
15 minutes—ten or fifteen hours might
be more like it. We found it considerably
easier to play with two people, since
some of the clues appear on the screen
for a very short period of time, and it is
difficult to find the right page in the
Snooper Troop Notebook to write down
the clue while it is still visible. Single
players may find it desirable to keep a
tape recorder nearby to record telephone
numbers, dates, and the like which can
be copied into the notebook and an¬
alyzed later on.

The program can be stored on the disk
when you want to rest and resumed
from that point the next time you at¬
tempt to solve the mystery.

All in all, we feel the Snooper Troop
games are exceptionally well done,
highly motivational, and valuable in
helping users learn to take notes and an¬
alyze relevant information. The packag¬
ing and instruction booklets are
outstanding; we give Spinnaker an A +
for these packages.

Fundamental Skills for
General Chemistry

About ten years ago when I was
Education Product Line Manager at
Digital Equipment Corporation, we
were seeking high quality educational
materials in different subject areas. One
of our customers, Paul Cauchon at the
Canterbury School in Milford, CT,
showed us course notes and proposed
that we compile them into a book. Thus
was born the book, “Tutorial Exercises
For Chemistry,” one of the first of its

kind. Paul’s latest book, “Chemistry
With A Computer,” updated and in its
third printing, contains 28 programs,
fully documented with sample runs,
complete listings and suggestions for
classroom use. The cost is $14.95 from
Programs For Learning, Inc.

However, Paul didn’t stop there, but
went on to gather a group of educators

in the field of chemistry dedicated to the
development of computer-based instruc¬
tional materials. Marketed by Programs
For Learning, the packages fall into two
general categories: drill and practice ex¬
ercises and simulations.

The Fundamental Skills for General
Chemistry package which we reviewed
contains 12 drill and practice exercises
along with a 32-page three-ring instruc¬
tor’s guide. The drills are presented in
high-resolution graphics so that upper
and lower case letters, symbols, sub¬
scripts and superscripts are all displayed
“correctly.” When a problem is an¬
swered correctly, a brief reinforcement
message such as “very good” appears,
and the next problem is presented.
Should a problem be missed, a dis¬
cussion of how to arrive at the correct
answer is presented on the screen. This
is far better than simply presenting the
correct answer and going on.

The exercises are not graded in a
group. It is up to the teacher to decide
what an appropriate “passing” level is.
The instructor’s guide suggests mini-

creative corapatiRg

SOFTWARE PROFILE

Name: Fundamental Skills for
General Chemistry
Type: Drill and practice
Authors: Paul Cauchon, et al.
System: Apple, Pet or TRS-80
Format: Cassette or disk
Summary: Drill in chemistry
Price: $150
Manufacturer:

Programs For Learning, Inc.
P.O. Box 954
New Milford, CT 06776
(203) 355-3452

134

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

EPYX 30/FOREVER WARRANTY
♦Our 30-day Unconditional Guarantee: If your
EPYX Game has any defect whatsoever within
30 days of purchase, return it to us or your
dealer and we will replace it free.

♦Our Forever Warranty: If anything happens
to your disk at any time after 30 days, for
any reason, just send it back with $5.00 for
shipping, and we will send you a replacement.

SUDDENLY you awaken in a coffin v
surrounded by a vast graveyard.

YOU MUST GET OUT BEFORE pAWN!

HOW? There’s no easy way, the Mo |
walls are too high—the gates ar^
locked. Vampires, Zombies, and #
Werewolves constantly attack as
you frantically search musty
crypts, catacombs, and dead /jl %*■
tombs for treasures and clues.

ONLY TWELVE HOURS TO
ESCAPE OR REMAIN FOREVER !

CRYPT OF THE UNDEAD, designed by Marc Benioff,
Offers...

• Both Puzzle-Solving 8i Role-Playing Intrigue!

• Superb Graphics , Sound & Color Animation!

• Hours of Challenging Terror!

Requires... V

• ATARI400/800 & One Disk Drive

• One Player & Joystick Controller
Comes with...

• Game Program & Complete Instructions

• EPYX 30/FOREVER WARRANTY

Now Available At Your Favorite Dealer... $29.95
For the name of your nearest EPYX dealer write:
“CRYPT OF THE UNDEAD”
EPYX/Automated Simulations, Inc.

P.O. Box 4247, Mountain View, CA 94040

♦ ATARI 400/800 is a trademark of ATARI, INC

CIRCLE 117 ON READER SERVICE CARD

I he reason you bought a

computer

209 - 683-6858

LuSySievia

x k JoKilime imc

SIERRA ON-LINE SYSTEMS, INC.
Business products division.
Sierra On-Line Bldg.

Coarsegold, CA 93614

*The General Manager, version 2.0
requires 48K Apple II or II+, 1 or more
drives, DOS 3.3. Direct orders add
$3.00 shipping/handling.

standing. You can’t afford
that! — for a program
without excellent
documentation is
frustrating and basi¬
cally useless.

...and reality!

At Sierra On-Line we’ve
spent the time and the effort
to create superb documentation.
It is so good that you can have
The General Manager up and
running after the first two
chapters! And after you’re
thoroughly at home with it, you
can move on to the other
chapters as you have need for
the many additional functions
and capabilities.

The reason you bought...

. . . a computer in the first
place was, we know, twofold:
for word processing (our Screen
Writer program is the leader)...
but mainly for information man¬
agement. The General Manager
is your powerful
answer. . . the
truly outstand¬
ing value in
DBM’s, bar
none, at only
$229.95.

For further
information and
ordering, see your computer
dealer or contact us:

...and the ecstasy.

Well, your computer can per¬
form all the miracles you hoped
for. It needs just one profes¬
sional addition. The
General Manager.

The General Man
ager is what the com
puter industry calls a
data base management
program (DBM). In
everyday words — it
allows you to organize,
store, file, find, save, re¬
ceive, interrelate, control
and print out all or selected parts
of your information. The result:
your information, or data, is
managed totally, completely,
automatically.

Ordinary

The ordinary DBM system
expects your business to con¬
form to its program design. So
you must change your records,
your forms, your way of having
information cross-referenced,
saved and . . . well, you almost
end up with a different business!
Certainly a more frustrating one.

Extraordinary

The General Manager on the
other hand is extraordinary in
the DBM field, because it makes
no such demands on you. In¬
stead, it lets you make demands
on it! The General Manager was
designed so that your business

routines can be kept as indivi¬
dualized as you want... so your
data is managed and de¬
livered in the ways which
are most useful, effi¬
cient and effective
for you.

It works so easily
and so well because
of its “hierarchial”
structure. This sen¬
sible "family tree”
type of design starts
with the main subject, then
branches out to related informa¬
tion. You enter data on "Blank
Forms” which you may construct
to your exact needs. The data
may be updated, deleted or
modified to
your heart’s
content. To
know The
General Man¬
ager will be to
love it!

Power &

Price

Nothing
near the price
of the General
Manager (by
hundreds of
dollars) gives
you all the
power, fea¬
tures and benefits it does! At
$229.95, The General Manager is
the absolute value in its field.

Consider this: it supports 1
to 4 floppy disk drives (even
hard-disk systems). It includes
utility programs which others
charge hundreds extra for.
Upper and lower case characters
in the data base are provided
without need for additional
costly hardware. If someone
goofs, the “error message” is
displayed in understandable
English. There is an on¬
screen "Help” function
available any time. It
creates Applesoft usable
files for your program
needs. And many espe¬
cially useful printing
commands are built-in
for

greater flexi¬
bility. When
you consider
all these ad¬
vantages, and
more, we think
your business
sense will a-
gree, there’s
no contest at
any price.

The fantasy...

Almost

everyone
claims user
friendly docu¬
mentation. The fact remains
much of it is convoluted, com¬
plicated and defies under¬

T he Agony...

You

expected

your new computer
to perform miracles
— to bring order out
of chaos. You looked
for it to organize and
manage your business
information. You looked forward
to the end of errors, the end of
frustration . . . and the saving of
time, effort and money. Afterall,
that’s the reason you invested in
a computer in the first place.
Yet, there it sits. Nothing.

The General Manager

CIRCLE 253 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Learning Can Be Fun, continued...

mum competency levels; for example, in
the drill on balancing equations it sug¬
gests continuing until five equations in a
row are balanced correctly. On the other
hand, for the drill on chemical nomen¬
clature, which requires the student to
name simple chemical compounds and
write chemical formulas, the guide sug¬
gests continuing until 20 questions in a
row are answered correctly.

The 12 programs cover topics such as
balancing equations; density, mass and
volume problems; symbols, atomic num¬
bers and electron configurations of the
first 20 elements; exponential notation;
symbols and charges for common ions;
computing formula weights; and names
and symbols of elements.

We also tried some simulation pro¬
grams from the Acid-Base Chemistry and
Basic Electricity packages. The simula¬
tion programs demonstrate various prin¬
ciples or processes by letting the user see

Hene i» fh» complete equation -

check It against yours!

I Ca ( OH ) 2 * 2HCIO h -»

lC«t(CI0i|) 2 ♦ 2H a 0

Do you want another* (y/n)?

“what will happen if’ certain steps are
taken or particular conditions
established.

Such programs are very useful in
preparing for laboratory experiments
and possibly even for replacing an
experiment which cannot easily be per¬
formed in the lab. Having been away
from a chemistry lab for more than 20
years, I probably should not have tried
to analyze an unknown acid sample in
the most efficient manner, since I barely
remembered the word titration much
less how to do a titration analysis.
Nevertheless I had good fun even
though the computer charged me 20
cents each time I had to refill the buret.
I wound up taking about seven times as
long to complete the experiment as the
computer estimated it ought to have
taken.

All in all these programs are very well
done and should be welcomed by chem¬
istry instructors at the high school and
beginning college levels.

Chem Lab Simulations

Four Chem Lab Simulations have
been developed by J. Gelder, a chemistry
professor at Oklahoma State University.

Although developed for the college level,
the material in simulations 1 (titrations)
and 2 (ideal gas law) are probably suit¬
able for a high school level also. Simula¬
tions 3 and 4 covering calorimetry and
thermodynamics are probably best left
for college level students. All except
simulation 2 are available for the Atari
as well as the Apple. However, because
the second simulation makes the most
effective use of graphics, we chose to re¬
view it here.

Chem Lab 2 is designed to illustrate
the ideal gas law, the kinetic-molecular
theory, and the principles of diffusion.
In the first part, the ideal gas law, PV =
nRT, is illustrated. The ideal gas is
represented on the screen as colorful (or¬
ange) particles bouncing and colliding
with each other in space. The color of
the particles, background, and piston
may be changed if you desire. As the
pressure, volume, temperature, or num¬
ber of gas moles is varied by the user, the
effect on the other three parameters and
on the behavior of the gas is shown im¬
mediately. Temperature is varied with
the potentiometer on paddle 1, the num¬
ber of moles is varied using the numeric
keys 1-9, and volume and pressure are
varied with the paddle buttons. The bot¬
tom of the screen displays in numeric
terms, the pressure, volume, moles, and
temperature. Of course, an increase in
temperature is also shown on the main
part of the screen as the particles move
faster and collide more frequently. This
also occurs as a result of decreasing the
volume, which increases the pressure.
This is shown on the screen display in

the form of a large piston on the right
which compresses the amount of free gas
space.

The comprehensive 32-page manual
contains 14 exercises on the ideal gas
laws including Boyle’s Law and
Charles’s Law, three exercises on ki¬
netic-molecular theory, six exercises on
the mixing of two ideal gases, and four
exercises on the expansion of an ideal
gas.

The programs are well written and
have good error trapping routines. In¬
correct input is ignored although you
may be scolded for not entering data

creative computing

SOFTWARE PROFILE

Name: Chem Lab Simulations
Type: Educational simulation
Author: J. I. Gelder
System: 48K Apple, paddles,

32K Atari 800
Format: Disk

Summary: Great graphics and action

Price: $100

Manufacturer:

High Technology Software
P.O. Box 14665
Oklahoma City, OK 73113
(405) 840-9900

that you should have noted. Since there
are upper and lower limits to the accept¬
able range of pressure, volume, moles,
and temperature, the results are likely to
be realistic and similar to those that
would be achieved with laboratory appa¬
ratus. The big difference is that you
can’t blow up the lab with this disk.

Weather Fronts

Weather Fronts is one in a series of
“lesson-tutorgraphs” from TYC (Teach
Yourself By Computer) Software. The
disk is accompanied by a six-page book¬
let which explains the contents of the
disk, suggests classroom uses, and lists
the 24 tutorial and 10 test questions
(with answers) that are contained on the
disk.

Upon loading the disk you are pre¬
sented with three options: tutorial, test,
or review.

The tutorial section offers a pro¬
grammed learning presentation of the
material covered by the lesson. As the
program proceeds, you are quizzed on
your understanding of the material pre¬
sented. In general, two questions are dis¬
played after each screen of text or
graphic material.

If you answer a question incorrectly,
the program branches to an alternate
display of the same material. You are
then given another question covering the

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

137

Learning Can Be Fun, continued...

same topic but phrased differently. If
you again answer incorrectly, the text
and question are repeated using the orig¬
inal wording.

All questions are multiple choice.
Upon giving a correct answer, you al¬
ways receive the same message of
“Congratulations (your name). Press
space bar to go on.”

The graphic illustrations of weather
fronts are excellent and make good use

Gpeative computing

SOFTWARE PROFILE

Name: Weather Fronts
Type: Educational tutorial
Author: Patrick C. Moyer
System: 48K Apple
Format: Disk
Language: Machine
Summary: Learning about the
weather
Price: $24.95
Manufacturer:

TYC Software
40 Stuyvesant Manor
Geneseo, NY 14454

of animation and pointers. Since they
use color extensively, we recommend a
color monitor or TV set for this package.

The test is graded and you may use it
as a pre-test, post-test, or both. After
completing the test, you receive a
percentage grade. In addition, you are
informed of the screens of text and
illustrations that would be most appro¬
priate for review based on your test re¬
sults. For example, based on my score of
80%, I was told I might want to review
screens 4, 5, 10, and 11 and figures 4 and
5.

Text and illustrations may be re¬
viewed using the third option on the
disk. This allows you to access randomly
any screen of text or illustration from
the tutorial.

I have been away from programmed
instruction since doing my Ph.D. work
at Pitt in 1968. However, it hasn’t
changed much in 15 years. It is boring
but reliable. After all, if the Army can
train helicopter pilots using pro¬
grammed instruction with a requirement
that 100% of the graduates attain 100%
mastery of the material, you get some
idea of its efficacy.

In Weather Fronts, Moyer has taken
the well-proven programmed instruction
approach, put it on the Apple computer,
and added some nice, colorful graphics.
It takes about 20 to 30 minutes to com¬
plete the disk. There is no doubt that
upon so doing you will know the struc¬
ture, characteristics, and weather asso¬
ciated with cold, warm, occluded, and
stationary fronts.

Tell Star

Tell Star is an astronomy program
which shows the location of stars and
planets for any location on earth during
the late 20th century. The program dis¬
plays a portion of the sky 90 degrees
wide facing in any of eight directions, N,
NW, W, SW, etc. or directly overhead.
The display is very accurate, generally
within 15 seconds of arc. To achieve this
accuracy, the program takes into ac¬
count factors such as the precession of
the earth in a somewhat lengthy five-
minute calculation.

Pressing C causes the constellations in
your field of view to be drawn. The pro¬
gram can also locate any star or planet
(at least those listed in the tables with
the program) by means of a blinking
cross hair. Pressing any key displays
information about the object such as
magnitude, right ascension, declination,
rising time, and setting time. You can
also move the cross hair manually with
the game paddles or joystick and obtain
information about any stellar object on
the display.

A calculation program is included on
the Tell Star disk to convert equatorial
coordinates to horizontal and vice versa,
and to convert ecliptic to equatorial. It is
also possible to calculate the location of
objects in the solar system without going
to the display portion of the program.

The program is available in two ver¬
sions: standard and advanced. The ad¬
vanced version has two sets of star tables
plus an additional table containing stars
and stellar objects for the southern
hemisphere. The Level I tables list about
180 stars and 13 Messier objects; the
Level II tables have fewer stars but
nearly 90 Messier objects.

An extensive 48-page tutorial manual
is included in the package. An appendix
has the star tables mentioned above. Tell
Star is an excellent program for the seri¬
ous student of astronomy as well as for
amateur and professional astronomers.

GPeative computiRg

SOFTWARE PROFILE
Name: Tell Star
Type: Educational tutorial
System: 48K Apple
Format: Disk
Language: Machine
Summary: Predict star and
planet locations
Price: $39.95 and $79.95
Manufacturer:

Information Unlimited Software
281 Arlington Ave.

Berkeley, CA 94707
(415) 525-9452

Understand Yourself

Remember the Creative Computing
disk, Know Yourself \ with five self-analy¬
sis programs? Well, Huntington has
gone Creative one better, or should we
say four better? This disk contains nine
comprehensive tests to help you better
understand yourself. They test assertive¬
ness, conscience, manipulation, marital
adjustment, personal adjustment, pre¬
ferred activities, sexual attitudes, and
your individual scale of values, and end
with a personal equation test.

Each test includes between 10 and 100
multiple choice questions. Before and af¬
ter each group of questions is some gen¬
eral discussion which presents, in very
general terms, some background
information on, for example, assertive¬
ness or conscience. While the disk refers
to the series of questions as tests, they
might more properly be called profile,
opinion, or attitude questions.

You do not pass or fail tests of this
sort. Rather they give you an idea of
how your profile compares with some
norm or statistical sample. If you are

creative compatiRg

SOFTWARE PROFILE

Name: Understand Yourself
Type: Psychological self-analysis
Author: Harry Gunn and
Mike Taylor
System: 48K Apple
Format: Disk
Language: Machine
Summary: Lots of questions
Price: $24.99
Manufacturer:

Huntington Computing
P.O. Box 1297
Corcoran, CA 93212

honest while answering the questions,
and there is no reason not to be, you
may well gain some valuable insight into
your attitudes, values, and psyche.

And if that isn’t reason enough to buy
the disk, you ought to have it for your
next party. Just watch which people
avoid taking the tests of marital adjust¬
ment and sexual attitudes. All in all, the
disk can provide some valuable insight
as well as good clean fun.

Lovers or Strangers

The instructions tell us, “if you are
wondering if that new romance (or even
that old romance) is going to turn into
the love match of the century, Lovers Or
Strangers can help you find out.

“Written by two psychologists, Lovers

138

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

get a gnp

with ALGEBRA,
the language of logic

your

world

1 ALGEBRA l 1

MODULE *2

UER l.O 01 Ar.r 821

CONTENTS

<1> ADDITION OF
REAL NUMBERS
<2> MULTIPLICATION
OF REAL NUMBERS
<3> SOLOING
EQUATIONS
<4> S0LUING ttt ^
INEQUALITIES
<5> POST TEST
<9> RESET MENU
<0> STOP

; ■ I

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business, school, and at home?

Your mind. Your ability to think analytically, to apply logic, gives you the
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That’s why you need algebra, the language of logic.

Edu-Ware ALGEBRA teaches that language. Its six volumes comprise a first
year course in algebra, from number line operations through quadratic
equations.

These interactive programs pace themselves to you, so you can learn or
refresh thinking skills, enhance or supplement coursework. Edu-Ware
ALGEBRA is a tool for getting a grip on your world.

For more information call
or write:

Edu-Ware Services, Inc.
P.O. Box 22222
Agoura Hills, CA 91301

213/706-0661 Edu-Ware Algebra Volumes 1 through 4

are $39.95 each. Volumes 5 & 6
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Part No. 20909, Apple II Disk, $34.95

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Catalog No. 19312, Atari 400 or 800 Tape, $29.95

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Part No. 21109, Apple II Disk, $34.95 Part No. 21112, Atari Tape, $29.95

FINAL CONFLICT -Choose your battlefield, choose your battle

Catalog No. 13609, Apple II Disk, $34.95

CHAMPIONSHIP GOLF -A test of skill, even if your name's Arnie

Part No. 11809, Apple II Disk. $24.95

KING CRIBBAGE - New life for a grand old game

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TETRAD - Four-dimensional tic-tac-toe—no kid stuff

Part No. 09809, Apple II Disk, $24.95

GAMES FOR WHEN YOU WISH YOU WERE SOMEBODY ELSE

CRIMES1WKR - Be a private eye in a dangerous city

Catalog No. 19509, Apple II Disk, $34.95

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Catalog No. 19409, Apple II Disk, $34.95

MICROSCOPIC JOURNEY -Explore the human body—from inside

Part No. 22609, Apple II Disk, $34.95

STAR TRADERS - Enter the world of intergalactic profiteering

Part No. 10709, Apple II Disk, $24.95

ALIBI - Solve Col. Farrington’s murder with your keen mind

Part No. 10909, Apple II Disk, $24.95

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Learning Can Be Fun, continued...

Or Strangers evaluates how compatible
you two are in the following areas:
communication, love and romance, val¬
ues, sex, work and money, spirituality,
and play.

“Lovers Or Strangers also tells you
how well you know each other, by let¬
ting you guess what your partner an¬
swered on each of the questions.”

Although Lovers Or Strangers had ar¬
rived much earlier for review, it was not
until a blustery Saturday afternoon some
weeks later that we finally got around to
it. Betsy had been editing a mound of
manuscripts and I had been reviewing
educational software packages. While we
are perhaps not the ideal subjects for
analysis by this program, we felt that af¬
ter working together for four years we
knew each other reasonably well and
could probably give the program a fair
evaluation.

The instructions contained on the disk
show you how to answer the questions.

creative computing

SOFTWARE PROFILE

Name: Lovers Or Strangers
Type: Game?

Authors: A1 Byers and Annette Long

System: 48K Apple

Format: Disk

Language: Machine

Summary: Evaluate compatibility

Price: $29.95

Manufacturer:

Alpine Software
2120 Academy Circle, Suite E
Colorado Springs, CO 80909
(303) 591-9874

All the questions are multiple choice and
the person sitting on the left uses keys 1-
5 for his answers while the person on the
right uses keys 6-0 for his answers.

The test consists of 30 questions
drawn from a 60-question data bank, so
you get a different test each time. On
each question, Lovers Or Strangers asks
you first to select an answer for yourself
and then to guess what your partner
answered.

The answers do not appear on the
screen, but there is a temptation to look
over and see which key your partner is
pressing. The instructions suggest plac¬
ing a 3 x 5 piece of paper down the cen¬
ter of the keyboard, wedged in between
the keys, but we found that holding one
hand over the other was equally
satisfactory.

Each question has five answers from
which to choose, and there are fifteen
different scores possible for each ques¬
tion. For example, if you both choose
the same answer, you get a 10-point
match. If you choose similar answers
you get fewer than 10 points, whereas if
you select dramatically different an¬
swers, a negative value is assigned to
compatibility on that particular
question.

At the end of the test, a graph shows
how you and your partner did in each of
the seven areas mentioned above. In
addition, there is a short analysis of how
well you know your partner and a
recommendation about finding out how
your partner feels about certain things.
The results can be printed out if you
wish.

The program was good fun to play,
and the results were interesting and even
surprising (at least to one of us). I don’t
know if using it 20 years ago would have

saved me from a divorce, but for an
investment of $29.95, it certainly
wouldn’t have hurt. □

ANALYSIS FOR DAUE PUD BETSY
HERE PRE V0UR RESULTS BV PREP:

PERFECT PERFECT

OPPOSITES MPTCH

COMMUNICATION
LOME & ROMANCE
VALUES
SEX

PORK & M0NEV

SPIRITUALITY

PLPV

.*.

. . 59 *

HERE'S H0H HELL YOU SEEM TO KNOW EACH
OTHER:

DPUE, YOU CORRECTLY GUESSED BETSY'S
PNSHER 43* OF THE TIME, WHICH INDICATES
AN PUERPGE UNDERSTANDING OF BETSY.

YOU SEEM TO KNOW BETSV PRETTY HELL IN
THESE PREPS: COMMUNICATION, LOME &
ROMANCE, SEX, AND SPIRITUALITY.

YOU COULD BENEFIT FROM FINDING OUT HOW
BETSV FEELS ABOUT THESE AREAS: UALUES,
WORK & MONEY, AND PLPV.

BETSY, YOU CORRECTLY GUESSED GAME'S
ANSWER 34* OF THE TIME, WHICH INDICATES
AN AUERAGE UNDERSTANDING OF DAUE.

YOU SEEM T0 KNOW DAUE PRETTY WF| | IN
THESE AREAS: UALUES, AND
SEXSPIRI Ti JALI TV.

v<X: COULD BENEFIT prqm FINDING Hi IT HOW
DAUE FEELS ABOUT THESE AREAS:
COMMUNICATION, L0UE & ROMANCE, WORK
MONEY, SPIRITUALITY, AND PLAY.

AND HERE'S YOUR FINAL RESULTS:

DAUE AND BETSV, YOUR GUERALL
COMPATIBILITY RATING IS 62*.

YOU THO HAUE SOME SIMILARITIES THAT
COULD FORM THE BASIS FQR A GOOD
RELATIONSHIP, SPICED WITH A FEW
DIFFERENCES.

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April 1983 ° Creative Computing

CIRCLE 150 ON READER SERVICE CARD

What does the name Milton Bradley
bring to mind? For me, it was a com¬
pany that manufactured games such as
Twister, Yahtzee, Checkers, Life, and
Stratego. Thus, I was somewhat dumb¬
founded on hearing of its entry into the
educational software market. Even when
I received the boxes with that famous
MB logo, I couldn’t shake my previous
associations. My recurring thought was
that personal computers had become
such a mass market that every major
corporation was getting into the soft¬
ware act.

creative compatiRg

SOFTWARE PROFILE
Name: Language & Math Arts
Programs

Type: Educational
System: Apple II 48K
Format: Disk

Summary: Seven packages that
establish a games
company in the field of
educational software.

Price: $45
Manufacturer:

Milton Bradley
P.O. Box 2209
Springfield, MA 01101

After a little research I discovered
that Milton Bradley’s educational di¬
vision has been publishing school
materials for many years. Their main
activity has been in the making of
supplemental materials for the primary
grades. These new software products, as
we shall soon see, are not only a serious
offering, but one that may serve as a
standard for classroom software in the
near future.

W. Shuford Smith, 6500 Cottingham Ln. Charlotte,
NC 28211.

Milton Bradley
Scores Again

W. Shuford Smith

The overall company plan appears to
involve the release of moderately priced
packages ($45) that can be used as unit
lessons in the middle grades (5-8). Yet,
the content and quality of presentation
will allow these products to be used for
remedial work with older students. An
additional plus is that the programs have
been designed for effective use in class¬
rooms with access to only one computer.

Seven separate items are in the current
release—four dealing with language arts
areas (two each on vocabulary and
punctuation) and three handling math
units (decimals, division, and mixed
numbers). All are intended for use on
the Apple II Plus with DOS 3.3. There
seems to be no intention at this time to
translate these efforts to other
computers.

Use of The Programs

One can implement these programs in
two ways: as lessons for individuals such
as in a home or in a special class, or, in a
regular classroom with a normal load of
25 or more students. The true strength
of the design appears in the latter
application. Indeed, classroom use ap¬
pears to be MB’s goal.

For instance, as one starts through the
programs, the first inquiry requests that
the student input his class number (1 to
5). If this is to be an individual lesson, a
response of 666 will access the main
menu to allow a lesson selection. How¬
ever, since the intended application is at
a classroom level, let’s look carefully at
that situation.

The student would answer the class
number question with the proper re¬
sponse. The class roll would then be pre¬
sented with an additional request that
the student indicate the correct number
next to his name. From that point for¬

ward the computer would direct the
appropriate lesson to the screen as well
as monitor the results obtained.

What Milton Bradley has done is to
place behind the instructional programs
on the disk, an invisible database system
capable of handling 125 students. This
device manages the heart of a carefully
designed, classroom-workable system.

Classroom Procedure

Let’s detail this process in a step-by-
step manner as it would probably pro¬
ceed in most classrooms. First, the
teacher would take out the included
black-line masters and make copies of
the pre-test (using either a photo copier
or a spirit duplicator). From these re¬
sults, each member of the class would be
assigned to one of three proficiency cate¬
gories for each skill. These categories
are: 1) mastered the content, 2) needs
some practice, and 3) needs instruction.

Next, the teacher would boot the disk
and when the inquiry for class number
appeared, would respond with a 555 plus
an invisible Password (located in the
Teacher’s Manual). This sequence would
run the management system and present
its menu: 1) Add students, 2) Delete stu¬
dents, 3) View/Change Students, 4)
Change Levels, 5) Run lesson. The pro¬
gram allows 25 names for each of the
five classes. (See Figure 1.)

Figure 1.

144

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

This man uses
the Data Factory.

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and CP/M™ systems.

Let the DATA FACTORY, the great time-saver from MicroLab, start simplifying your life, today.

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Apple is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. Olivetti is a registered trademark of Docutel/Olivetti Corporation.

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We believe games should be fun and that the price of games snouldn’t dampen that fun. The growth of
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Milton Bradley, continued...

The teacher would enter the pre-test
results for each of the students. The
names may contain up to 10 characters
and the results for each skill are entered
as <M>astery, <P>ractice, or
< I > nstruction. (See Figure 2.) The
practice level is initially set with a cri¬
terion of three out of five correct, with
mastery being five out of five. The
teacher may change these levels as de¬
sired. From this point forward the pro¬
gram directs and monitors each child’s
efforts and can furnish the teacher with
an excellent progress record.

If the student needs instruction, the
teacher provides it; if practice is re¬
quired, then the computer lessons are
employed; mastery can be checked by
both computer and teacher. How well
does this device work? Very well indeed!
All instructions were clear and every as¬
pect performed without a flaw.

Back in the classroom, the teacher
would begin the instruction on each skill
to be covered in the unit. The manner in
which this phase proceeds is completely

Figure 2.

.' X EU/CHANGE .

CLASS 1 SCREEN 1 OF 2

NAME 12345

!ij»

L 0

t I

X 0

JOHN

MARY

HARRY

GARY

JOAN

PAUL

‘ARRY

:::da

JAVE

BILL

DAN

GINGER

MIKE

JIM

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at the teacher’s discretion. For each
skill, Milton Bradley has included
reproducible worksheets including both
tutorial sheets and practice sheets. In
addition, the kit contains mastery tests,
student record sheets, and classroom
rosters. All of these aids are above and
beyond the computer lessons. In other
words, almost any teaching style can be
accommodated.

General Impression

From even the brief description given
to this point, one can appreciate the
thoroughness of these packages. Yet,
this attention to detail does not end with
a workable management system. The
very first observations of the screen
boards reveal an appearance that must
be classified as exceptional.

All visual displays are done in hi-res
graphics using various character fonts.
The upper and lower case letters are
highly legible. Various widths and colors
are employed with discretion for empha¬
sis. Sound is used both for prompting
and to heighten student interest.

Finally, before moving to a program-
by-program review, a few other general
comments should be made. The
programming quality is excellent; I no¬
ticed no bugs. The procedures that both
students and teachers must follow are
not only clear but straightforward. The
documentation is well-written and,
fortunately, not overly wordy.

Language Arts Programs

This initial release contains four pack¬
ages that could be used by most lan¬
guage teachers in the middle grades.
Their content fills an area in the educa-

My students told me to
write that the game was
unnecessary.

tional software market that is not yet
over populated. They were all written
with similar formats, though significant
differences are noted in the individual
reviews.

First, the group features creative
touches, quality graphics, and high in¬
terest themes such as outer space and
medieval times. Another less noteworthy
commonality is the presence of a limited
arcade game called Alien Rain. The stu¬
dent earns points on the review drills
which are then converted into playing
time. The game requires paddles even
though not every school-owned Apple
has paddles.

Secondly, the game itself is not all that
exciting. Believe it or not, my students
told me to write that the game was un¬
necessary; the programs were fine with¬
out Alien Rain.

In the classroom, for each student to
receive maximum benefit, each program
in this series will require some additional
examples and explanation. The materials
included in the packages will definitely
assist in this task. Teachers, take a close

Figure 4.

look at each of these offerings; I think
you will find some excellent tools inside
these boxes.

Prefixes, Suffixes, and Root Words

The Vocabulary Skills: Prefixes, Suf¬
fixes, and Rootwords program offers the
student a chance to learn some word
analysis skills. Milton Bradley’s ap¬
proach is to interweave both common
and uncommon word parts into the
course of study. The lesson on prefixes
includes five common (inter-, dis-, anti-,
pre-, and sub-) ones as well as five un¬
common (ortho-, tele-, micro-, circum-,
and para-) ones. Suffixes are divided into
two lessons with one covering the 10
common and one handling the 10 un¬
common. Next come 10 common roots,
five each of Latin and Greek origin. (See
Figure 3.)

Rounding out this package is an in¬
troductory concept lesson, a review
following prefixes and suffixes, a word
building activity, and a final cumulative
review.

Figure 3.

Is this type of practice worthwhile? A
study of word structure is intended to
provide the child with a curiosity about
as well as an understanding of some
commonalities in our language. How¬
ever, a danger exists since English is not
as heavily dependent on inflections as
some languages. Often, a student will
lose sight of the sentence context after a
course in word analysis. Milton Bradley
has tried to prevent this from happening
by keeping all exercises embedded in
clever and effective sentences. Also,
through the mix of common and un¬
common examples, a wide range of stu¬
dents can be accommodated and kept
interested.

The format of these lessons, and all
others in the language arts area, uses a
fantasy theme to heighten interest. This
program uses a workout simulation
complete with a coach, body or mind
building exercises, and appropriate pic¬
tures, slogans, and the like. (See Figure
4.)

My students did appreciate the clever¬
ness. At the end of the final review drill,

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

147

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The Manager.$209.00

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Power.$79.00

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VIC 1525 Graphic Printer $339.00

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OKIDATA

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83A.$659.00

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84 (Serial).$1149.00

IDS

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80 (Fully Configured) $1399.00

Call for other configurations.

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ANCHOR

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Mark IV (CBM/PET).$ 125.00

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9 Volt Power Supply.$9.00

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AMDEK

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DXY Plotter.$759.00

Color II.$699.00

SOFTWARE

I.U.S. Easywriter II.$249.00

I.U.S. Easyspeller.$129.00

Peach Package (GL/AP/AR)... $419.00

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IBM/PC Word Processing.$319.00

MICRO PRO

Word Star/Mail Merge.$399.00

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CIRCLE 148 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Milton Bradley, continued...

the students may cash in earned points
to play Alien Rain. The child receives
graduated points depending on whether
the correct response was on the first try,
second try, or third try.

This program received consistently
high marks from all students; I strongly
recommend it.

Context Clues

The second set of vocabulary skills
deals with an effective but often ignored
facet of English study. Since our lan¬
guage is so heavily dependent on syntac¬
tical or contextual clues, one would
think that a strong emphasis would be
placed on helping children understand
and use these techniques. Unfortunately,
this is not the case. So, it is a relief to see
these lessons to assist teachers with the
process.

The program begins with an introduc¬
tion to context, what it is and why it is
important to both reading and vocabu¬
lary building. The next lesson takes the
student through finding the definition of
a word within a sentence using such key
words as is, that is, or, and meaning. The
student then learns the meaning of a
word by understanding a contrasting
phrase (some key words are however, al¬
though, but). At that point, a review les¬
son is offered to tie together these basic
ideas.

The next section involves two lessons:
one on making educated guesses and an¬
other on inferring meaning from exam¬
ples in the sentence. The final lesson
consists of a cumulative review covering
all previous material. For each lesson,
students receive basic rules, multiple-

Figure 5.

choice examples, practice drills, and a
five-sentence mastery test.

As in the other programs in this area,
a theme is used. For context, it is a wiz¬
ardry emphasis set in a medieval time.
(See Figure 5.) Thus the sentences,
instructions, and characters are all true
to this setting: Wouldn’t you “gag” on a
reptile omelet?

For teachers who have not yet empha¬
sized the syntactical clues of sentences
or understood how to teach contextual

understanding, this package should pro¬
vide many valuable ideas. For those who
already appreciate just how effectively
one can increase not just a youngster’s
vocabulary but also his reading com¬
prehension with this approach, Milton
Bradley’s Context Clues will be a wel¬
come addition to the arsenal. All in all,
it represents a fine educational value.

Punctuation Skills: Commas

The commas program, I believe, may
have been among the first written since
it contains several flaws. First, it re¬
quires the use of a paddle. The paddle
positions and fires the Comma Cannon.
The cannon is a cute device used to
place the punctuation in the correct
spot. Unfortunately, as previously men¬
tioned, not all Apples have paddles, and
Milton Bradley provides no alternate
method.

Second, the tutorial language seems
higher than the skills being covered.
Certainly, a greater disparity exists here
than in the other works in this series.

Since the comma is such a heavily
used mark of punctuation, Milton Brad¬
ley has devoted several lessons exclu¬
sively to its use. The first three skills
covered are setting off introductory ele¬
ments, separating items in a series, and
isolating interrupters. All of these uses
are shown with examples of single
words, phrases, and clauses.

Following the first three lessons, a re¬
view is offered. Next comes a section on
independent clauses. Then follows place¬
ment of commas in dates, addresses, let¬
ters, and titles. The last lesson is the
end-of-unit cumulative review.

As with the other programs, a special
theme—outer space—is used with com¬
mas. This approach is generally appre¬
ciated by the students, though some of
the strange planet and character names
threw them for a minute or so. As is too
often the case in exercises, the number
of examples and counterexamples was
too limited. Have some more ready,
teacher!

I did find that the Helpful Hints used
with some of the Rules were very useful
to the students in improving their ac¬
curacy. Finally, one additional sugges¬
tion to the programmers: On all these
exercises, the student’s reward is deter¬
mined by the number correct out of five
problems. However, in the last lesson,
Dates, Letters, etc., one could correctly
place five out of six commas in a letter,
forget one, and not receive any credit.
The kids gave a big “unfair” to that kind
of scoring.

If the Apple is equipped with paddles,
this package should prove useful to any
middle grade teacher, especially those
whose students suffer from commaitis.

Endmarks, Semicolons, and Colons
This second offering in the punctua¬
tion area uses the same space theme
found in commas. However, there is
more extensive use of hi-res pictures,
and the tutorial is simpler yet more
clever in language use. In addition, the
game paddles are no longer required.
Positioning the cannon to fire a punctua¬
tion mark is done with the right and left
arrows. To place the punctuation, the

“student simply presses the appropriate
key on the keyboard.

The content consists of one lesson on
the period, one on exclamation and
question marks, two sessions on the
semicolon, and a final lesson on the co¬
lon. (See Figure 6.) There is one cu¬
mulative review following mastery of the
five lessons.

The lessons provide adequate
information for students to become quite
successful. The pace through these small
but essential parts of grammar is ex¬
cellent. In summary, my trial students
gave this program high marks for graph¬
ics, creative wording of sentences, and
overall enjoyment while learning and
reviewing.

Mathematics Programs

The current group of math packages
includes three—division, decimals, and
mixed numbers. Unlike the language
arts areas these programs are devoid of
humor and thematic gimmicks. What
they add is a tutorial on the process (al¬
gorithm) involved. While this feature is
no substitute for effective classroom
instruction, it does provide clear
reinforcement that may give a better
understanding to many students. Also
included are a readiness lesson and some
very effective speed drills which are not
under control of the management sys¬
tem. Thus, these beginning exercises can
be used independently of the rest of the
unit.

All three sets are appealing in their
appearance using a school related back¬
drop (chalkboard, textbook, or note¬
book) together with hi-res fonts. Both
the division and decimal packages seem

150

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

The Home Accountant
The # 1 best-seller.

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CIRCLE 254 ON READER SERVICE CARD

If 1

Milton Bradley, continued...

to employ a random number generator,
while the mixed numbers program
draws upon an existing bank of prob¬
lems. The overall level is quite
high—that is, once a student has mas¬
tered these programs, one can more than
safely assume that he adequately under¬
stands the process.

Division Skills

The Readiness Skill for the Division
Skills program is entitled Fast Facts. In
actuality, it is a well-conceived, speed
drill covering simple division. The time
allowed is adjustable up to 540 seconds,

Figure 7.

and the number of problems presented
can vary from 1 to 90. Incorrect re¬
sponses are shown with the right answer
instantly, and again at the scoring sum¬
mary. As the manual suggests, by keep¬
ing one factor (either time or number of
problems) constant, a student can mea¬
sure progress over the year. This part of
the package should find heavy use in and
of itself.

There are five skills covered in the
computer-managed part of the program
plus a final review. Lesson One deals
with one-digit divisors, while Lesson
Two handles two-digit divisors. (See Fig¬
ure 7.) For some students, two helpful
little features are the V and B keys.
Pressing V displays essential definitions,
while B gives a backup command so that
the student can change an incorrect es¬
timate. The last three lessons deal with
problems that have remainders. Lesson
Three takes care of whole number
remainders, Lesson Four covers frac¬
tional remainders, and Lesson Five prac¬
tices decimal remainders.

This program is marked by clear dis¬
plays, challenging problems, and a nice
step-by-step walk-through approach.

Decimal Skills

The Readiness Skill for the Decimal
Skills program covers four basic con¬
cepts. First, the student must be able to
identify which column (from thousands
to ten thousandths) contains a certain
number. Secondly, when given a written
decimal number, the student must be

able to convert it to its numerical format
(one and four tenths = 1.4). Next, the
comparison of two decimal numbers ( <,

Figure 8.

>, and =) is featured. Finally, students
must be able to order numbers from the
smallest to the largest.

As with the other readiness activities,
these have a time choice, from 1 to 999
seconds, and a number-of-problems
choice, up to 25. The answer is displayed
on a large pencil which appears to rotate
after the response is corrected—clever
programming.(See Figure 8.).

Following this fairly complete readi¬
ness level, four skill lessons are offered:
addition, subtraction, mutiplication, and
division of decimals. Have students
bring their scrap paper as these get in¬
volved. For example, in the addition and
subtraction sections, all problems are
displayed horizontally. Of course, the
student must line them up vertically and
use zero place holders as necessary.
Numbers generally contain at least four
digits. Since alignment is critical when
working with decimals, an instructional
program must also assist in this area if at
all possible. Milton Bradley’s offering
rates a “very good” in helping students
with this aligning skill.

The summary by the raters found
Decimal Skills to contain a demanding,
yet comprehensive coverage of an inter¬
mediate math concept.

Mixed Number Skills

In the Mixed Number Skills package
three areas are considered readiness:
converting mixed numbers to improper
fractions, converting improper to mixed,
and comparing mixed numbers. For the
speed drill, one can choose up to 25
problems and up to 999 seconds. As
with the rest of this series, the readiness
exercises are a real bonus, and make
periodic reviews a snap.

The four basic parts of this program
involve addition, subtraction, multiplica¬
tion, and division of mixed numbers. In
the addition and subtraction areas, in¬
cluded are like and unlike denominators,
combinations of whole and mixed, and

regrouping. (See Figure 9.) In mul¬
tiplication and division, there are prob¬
lems with no common factors, problems
with one set of common factors (in my
day, this was called cross cancelling),
and problems with two sets of common
factors. The obvious point would seem
to be that this unit, like the others in
math, covers the upper range of the tar¬
geted skills. Lots of scratch paper and
time are needed by the students.

How does this program, and the rest
of the Milton Bradley line, stack up
against the competition? Many math
programs have been written for the Ap-

Figure 9.

pie. At least a few of them contain tu¬
torial sections as well as extensive drill
and practice units. The Milton Bradley
tutorial does not contain as good a step-
by-step formula as some that I have seen.
But MB’s Mixed Numbers includes sev¬
eral possibilities not in other programs,
such as a speed drill, cross cancelling,
and very challenging problems.

In addition, though many compet¬
itors’ screens are very good, Milton
Bradley’s are excellent. Add the supple¬
mental black-line masters and the
management system, and you have an
impressive package. I think that in a
classroom, I would have several prod¬
ucts. A program like Edu-Ware’s Frac¬
tions would serve as the beginning tutor
and Milton Bradley’s Mixed Numbers as
the backbone of the unit. Thus, for
under $90, I could create quite an effec¬
tive course plan on fractions.

Conclusion

Milton Bradley has made an auspi¬
cious entrance into the educational soft¬
ware field. It is a pleasure to be able to
work with products that have obviously
been very thoroughly field tested before
their introduction. It would be nice to
see more demonstrations and tutorial
experiences in these programs, but they
accomplish their intent quite well. They
are high quality teacher aids, designed to
be used in a real world classroom. From
now on, the Milton Bradley logo will
have quite different connotations for
me. □

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

153

Karel
The Robot

Robots are exciting all right. They do
a terrific job on the assembly line, and
someday they may clean the house, walk
the dog, and keep us company. But what
can they do for us today?

One thing they can do and are, in fact,
doing is teaching programming concepts
to children and adults. One such cy¬
bernetic teacher is Karel the Robot.

Karel is an instructional aide for peo¬
ple who want to learn Pascal on the Ap¬
ple II. That is a welcome concept,
indeed, for the multitudes whose first
programming language is Basic, because
learning Pascal not only calls for master¬
ing many new ideas, but also for
unlearning a variety of practices which
are essential in Basic but bad habits in
Pascal.

The author of this package, Richard
E. Pattis, teaches programming at Stan¬
ford University. He invented Karel for
his students and wrote a short (106
page) book, Karel the Robot: A Gentle
Introduction to the Art of Programming ,
published by John Wiley and Sons. In
the preface, Pattis observes, “The first
few weeks of a programming course are
crucial to the students’ perception of the
subject; it is during this period that they
briefly glimpse the aesthetics of the
discipline and are most receptive to new
ideas. By starting with Karel the Robot,
it will be easy for students to absorb a
large number of useful, important, and
sophisticated concepts quickly.”

The book is used as a text at Stanford
and at the University of California,

John J. Hirschfelder, EDTEC, 6222 54th Avenue N.E.,
Seattle, WA 98115.

John J. Hirschfelder

Berkeley, for the first one or two weeks
of introductory programming classes.

Complex Simplicity

Karel is a very simple automaton. He
lives on your monitor screen in his
world, which is laid out with north-
south avenues and east-west streets.
Karel himself is always at an intersec¬
tion. When he moves, one “step” is a full
city block long, and he can face north,
south, east, or west. On your screen, he
is represented by a, V, >, or <,
depending on which way he is facing.

Karel’s world is not empty. Some
streets are blocked by walls, and on
some comers there are markers called
“beepers.” (Sorry, they don’t beep.)
Karel carries a bag of beepers, and he
can pick them up and put them down.
He is controlled by a program which
you write. The following is a complete
list of the actions Karel can perform,
turnleft

move (forward one block)
pickbeeper (from the ground to his
bag)

putbeeper (from his bag to the
ground)
turnoff

Karel can also survey his world and
make decisions based on his environ¬
ment. He can tell if there is a beeper on
the corner where he is standing; whether
there are any beepers in his bag; and

whether his front, right, or left is
blocked by a wall.

That’s all! By combining these state¬
ments with control structures in a Karel
program, you can make the robot wan¬
der about his universe performing some
very complex actions.

But what does this have to do with
Pascal? Pattis has designed his robot lan¬
guage so that each of its syntactic fea¬
tures and control structures closely
resembles a corresponding feature of
Pascal, so that writing Karel programs is
training for graduation to Pascal.

A Basic program begins with some ar¬
ray definitions which are followed by a
long, unbroken stream of numbered exe¬
cutable statements. Sprinkled through
the program there may be some sub-

creative computing

SOFTWARE PROFILE
Name: Karel the Robot

Type: Educational (programming
tutorial)

System: Apple II 64K (RAM card),
Pascal text editor

Format: Disk

Summary: With the book of the
same name, a unique
introduction to Pascal

Price: $242
Manufacturer:

Cybertronics International, Inc.
999 Mount Kemble Ave.
Morristown, NJ 07960
(201) 766-7681

154

April 1983 c Creative Computing

71 Park Lane, Brisbane, CA 94005

Send us your highest score and we II send
you a certificate of merit. BeatGridrunner
and we’ll send you a Gridrunner shoulder
patch. And, we will publish you in the
Gridrunner Hail of Fame.

Vic 20 and Commodore 64 are registered trademarks of Commodore
Business Machines. ©Copyright HES 1983

CIRCLE 189 ON READER SERVICE CARD

“No one, even the
developer, has
achieved the last
grid of Gridrunner. ”

Jay Balakrishnan
Founder

“We challenged
Jeff Mintor to develop
a game you could never tire of ...
you could never beat.”

“It tops any grid type game.”

“It is set in space.”

“It is almost unbeatable.”

“Jeff achieved level 13...he developed
Gridrunner.”

“Maybe you can do better.”

“It’s packed with excitement.”

“It’s filled with challenge.”

“It tests your reflexes to the maximum.”
“It pushes your anxiety tolerance to the
maximum.”

For the ultimate in excitement and
challenge, see your local computer or
games dealer today.

Karel The Robot, continued...

routines, called by gosub statements.
The code making up a subroutine may
be all in one place, but it need not be. It
ends with return but may begin with
anything—in fact, it can be entered at
any point at all. The subroutine has no
variables of its own, nor any parameters
as a function has. Aside from gosub, the
only control statements of significance
are goto, if . . . then, and for loops.

Differences In Pascal

A Pascal program looks entirely dif¬
ferent. It begins with definitions for
named constants, and follows with
declarations of all the program
variables—not just the arrays. Then
come the subroutines, called procedures ,
each of which has a precisely defined
beginning, a single end, its own vari¬
ables, and possibly some parameters. At
the very end comes the body of the pro¬
gram, which is usually quite short and
consists mostly of procedure calls. There
is a goto statement in Pascal, but it is
rarely used.

Thus writing a Pascal program re¬
quires a different kind of organizational
thinking than writing one in Basic. It is
the Pascal type of program organiza¬
tion—called top-down or structured
programming—that the Karel language
teaches. So let’s look at some of the con¬
cepts of the Pascal language, and see
how features of the Karel language teach
them.

Pascal has extensive data structuring,
including records as well as arrays.
Karel has none (except for Karel’s
world, which is not variable); its purpose
is to teach program organization, not
data organization.

Pascal has compound statements,
delimited by begin and end. For
example

BEGIN X : =X+1 ; Y : =Y+1 END.

A Pascal compound statement is not the
same as a Basic multi-statement line,
which is just a space-saving convenience.
Compound statements work nicely with
if statements, which in Pascal can have
else clauses. Karel has these too, and
they can be used to define a complex ac¬
tion. Although Karel can only turn left,

we can write a compound statement to
make him turn right:

BEGIN turnleft; turnleft;
t u r n I e f t END .

The more complex statement in Fig¬
ure 1 tells Karel to go one block for¬
ward, unless the way is blocked, in
which case he is to move two blocks
backward.

Pascal has for loops like Basic, but it
also has the while ... do statement

A typical Karel
program, like a well-
written Pascal program,
is 95% new instruction
definitions and 5% body.

which causes some action to be per¬
formed as long as some condition re¬
mains true. Karel has this feature in
exactly the same form. The following
statement instructs Karel to move for¬
ward until he comes to a wall:

WHILE f r on t- i s-c Iea r DO
move .

Finally, Pascal has the procedure. If
all data are ignored, a procedure is just a
compound statement given a name, so
that is can be cited elsewhere in the pro¬
gram. Karel’s analog is the new instruc¬
tion definition. Figure 2 shows two
examples.

A Karel program can be built from
these constructs. Figure 3 is Karel
following a wall to his right, looking for
a beeper.

And there you see the fundamentals
of the structured programming style:
procedures, blocks, if-then-else, while-
do. A typical Karel program, like a well-
written Pascal program, is 95% new
instruction definitions and 5% body.

Summary

The Karel software package consists
of two disks, labeled KAREL: and
KAREL2: Each disk boots the UCSD
Pascal operating system. A user’s man¬

ual, which contains clear and complete
instructions for configuring a one or two
drive system, for using the Karel simu¬
lator program and for running the
demonstrations, is included.

The package does not contain a copy
of the Pascal text editor. You must pro¬
vide this yourself. Nor does the manual
tell you how to use the text editor, or
anything about Karel’s language—for
this you must read Pattis’s book.

The simulator is comprehensive and
easy to use. Besides putting Karel
through his paces as defined by your
program, it offers a choice of speeds, sin¬
gle-stepping, and other debugging aids.
The simulator includes a “world-
builder” for defining Karel’s environ¬
ment and initial conditions. With the
world-builder, you can build and destroy
walls, move Karel around, and strew
beepers on street corners. You can’t pick
up a beeper, so if you make a mistake
and put one where you don’t want it,
you have to start over.

The Karel package is aimed at the
high school or college classroom in
which Apples and Pascal are available.
For about the first two weeks of a Pascal
class, Pattis’s book can be used as a text,
with assignments from the numerous ex¬
ercises in the book to be run on the com¬
puter. Then the class can move quickly
on to data structures and Pascal. Karel
can be fun, and there is some danger of
getting distracted from the real objective
and spending too much time with Karel.

I recommend a serious look at Karel
to any Pascal instructor. If, however,
you are an individual programmer, have
just gotten Pascal for your Apple, and
are trying to learn the language, I sug¬
gest that you get any of the Pascal tu¬
torials and jump right in.

The two-disk Karel package with
manual costs $85 and is available in a
standard 40-column version and in a
version for users of 80-column cards.
Also available, for $150, are two disks
containing solutions to all the problems
in the Karel the Robot book. Versions of
the simulator for the IBM Personal
Computer and the Terak are
forthcoming. □

Figure 1.

IP -front-i s-cl ear THEN

move

ELSE BEGIN turnleft;

turnleft;

; move; move;

turnleft;

turnleft

END.

Figure 2.

DEFINEH\IEW-INSTRUCTION turnright AS

BEGIN turnleft; turnleftn turnleft END;

DEFINE-NEW-INSTRUCTION sidestepleft AS
BEGIN turnleft; move; turnright END;

Figure 3.

BEGINNING-OF-PROGRAM

DEFINE-NEW-INSTRUCTION try-again AS
IF right-is-clear THEN

BEGIN turnright; move END
ELSE IF front-is-clear THEN move
ELSE IF le-ft—is-clear THEN
BEGIN turnle-ft; move END
ELSE

BEGIN turnright; turnright; move END;

BEGINNING-OF-E XECUTION

WHILE not-next-to-a-beeper DO try-again; turno-f-f
END—OF—EXECUTION
END-OF-PROGRAM.

156

April 1983 ° Creative Computing

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CIRCLE 309 ON READER SERVICE CARD

A friend of mine recently called to tell
me that he suspected his seven-year-old
daughter had a “learning problem.” Six
months after purchasing a Commodore
Vic-20 home computer he is worried be¬
cause she just can’t seem to grasp the
Basic programming concepts of strings
and arrays. I asked him what in the
world would make him think that she
could be capable of understanding a
complex concept like that. He replied,
“They’re learning about computers in
school aren’t they?”

Poor kids, I can see it all now. In ten
years we will be labeling children who
cannot successfully and efficiently pro¬
gram in at least two machine languages
“computing disabled.” With the current
emphasis on computer literacy, many
educators are pushing the fact that chil¬
dren should know as much about
computers as possible, at the earliest
possible age. A recent educational report
speculated that 25 years from now chil¬
dren would need the equivalent of a
Master’s degree in computer science
before they graduated high school.

I almost pity the parents of these poor
children who will surely sigh in frustra¬
tion, “Just when I learned the new
math!”

While I believe that children growing
up in the computer age should certainly

Peter Favaro, 34 Lincoln Blvd., Bethpage, NY 11714.

Peter Favaro

be computer literate, there is a danger in
expecting too much too soon. The six-
year-old machine language programmers
that we read about in the papers are
invariably gifted and are the exception
rather than the rule. Attempting to
teach concepts that are beyond what
children are capable of understanding at
various developmental levels is likely to
cause enduring negative perceptions of
the computer experience and keep some
children permanently turned off to
computers.

This article discusses a developmental
framework of children’s cognitive and
behavioral competencies aimed at help¬
ing parents and teachers understand
what children are capable of learning
about and on computers, and at what
ages or stages of development. Before
presenting this framework, some
preliminary concepts are helpful. One is
the notion of readiness, and the other is
understanding some of the fundamental
differences between human language and
computer language.

Readiness

The term readiness implies that a
child will learn a concept, behavior, or
skill, only when he is developmentally
prepared and not before. For example:
Two children may be the exact same
chronological age, and have had similar
experiences through life. For the sake of
this example, let’s say they are both
seven years old. One of these children
may be extremely proficient at printing
his name, spacing the letters equidistant
from one another, keeping within the
lines and making everything in the cor¬
rect proportions. The other child may
have difficulty manipulating the pencil,
may draw wavy, unsteady and
misproportioned lines and make many
errors.

One hypothesis might be that the sec¬
ond child has a visual handicap. Per¬
haps. But an equally feasible possibility
is that the child is not developmentally
“ready” to perform that task. When this
is the case, no amount of training will
help that child write neatly, as any par¬
ent who has tried to teach a child in this
situation will attest. In other words this
child has not reached a developmental
state of “readiness” for performing this

My Five Year Old
Knows Basic

April 1983 ° Creative Computing

158

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CIRCLE 221 ON READER SERVICE CARD

My 5-Year-Old Knows Basic, continued...

writing behavior. One cannot assume
that all children will be ready to perform
certain tasks at the same time; with some
behaviors individual variations of
months or even years are quite common.

The concept of readiness applies not
only to outward behaviors, such as walk¬
ing, talking, and writing. It also applies
to a child’s ability to solve problems,
link together ideas, understand concepts
and think in a logical, orderly fashion.
These abilities develop gradually over
the first 15 or so years of life, and this is
the major reason why most first, second,
and even third graders cannot learn
advanced programming languages. This
does not mean, however, that they can¬
not benefit from interacting with the
computer on some other level.

Children seem to pick
up computer
programming
languages, as they pick
up most foreign human
languages, much faster
than adults.

People have commented on the fact
that children seem to pick up computer
programming languages, as they pick up
most foreign human languages, much
faster than adults. While this may be
true, it is not necessarily true for the
same reasons, and should not be used as
an excuse to push advanced language
programming on young children.

Children, as a rule, learn most things
faster than adults because more of their
experiences are centered around learn¬
ing. All languages are symbolic ways of
communicating, governed by syntax and
grammar rules. In comparing computer
language to human language we see that
the rules which govern computer lan¬
guage are far more strict and precise.

, A young child not yet two years old
can say to her mother, “Mommy, give
Jenny muk,*’ and still be understood,
even though there is an error in the com¬
mand. Programming in a computer lan¬
guage such as Basic always requires
correct spelling and syntax to obtain the
desired outcome of the command.

Errors that are detected by the
computer and redirected to the user give
little hint as to what must be done to
correct the error, and tell you only what
and where the error is. Human feedback
regarding errors in communication can
be more precise in clarifying the objec¬
tives of the communication.

A third difference between computer

language and human language is in the
way the two are processed and received
on the sensory channels. Human lan¬
guage is a combination of visual, audi¬
tory, and tactile behaviors. The same
sentence said with different gestures can
mean entirely different things.

Computer language is primarily a
written language. It is communicated in
written form and basically understood in
written and visual form, except for those
occasions when a beeping noise or other
sound tells us that something is happen¬
ing with the computer.

Developmental Prerequisites

Understanding that the precision,
structure, and limitations of program¬
ming languages make it different and
more difficult for very young children to
learn computer programming, let me
point out a few other developmental pre¬
requisites that are necessary for this
task. Computer programming requires a
knowledge of the basic arithmetic opera¬
tions. This means more than just an
understanding of the times tables. It re¬
quires an understanding of number con¬
cepts and relationships, such as “greater
than,” “less than,” and “equal to.”

Creating an algorithm to help solve a
problem often requires a rather ad¬
vanced knowledge of algebra and trigo¬
nometric functions that aren’t taught
until the later primary grades. Computer
programming requires that the child pro¬
grammer have the ability to put aside
the egocentric stance that is such a com¬
mon characteristic of young children.

Programming requires the ability to
“think like a computer,” following the
logic that the computer would follow to
solve a problem. Similarly, program¬
ming requires an understanding of
sophisticated problem solving strategies
to master the use of conditional and
branching statements, skills which are
not attained until fourth grade at the
earliest. Along with this, other requisite
skills include sequencing ability, mem¬
ory and mnemonic, skills, and organiza¬
tional and planning abilities.

The theory of intellectual develop¬
ment formulated by Swiss psychologist
Jean Piaget serves as a useful model to
help understand the limits and
capabilities of children across the
developmental continuum. Piaget’s the¬
ory assumes that children pass through a
series of stages in cognitive skills from
infancy through adolescence. Pressures
from the environment (especially the
learning environment), cause the child
to adapt to it and organize his thinking
in new ways.

The Sensorimotor Stage

In the earliest stage of development in
Piaget’s framework, the sensorimotor

160

stage, which lasts from birth until
approximately two years, the child
moves from instinctual reflex actions to
symbolic activities as he begins to under¬
stand that he is separate from the
environment. During this stage, there is
a limited ability to anticipate the con¬
sequences of actions.

What can a child learn from comput¬
ers at this young stage of development?
On the surface, perhaps not much, but
when you consider the advanced color
graphics and sound capabilities of
today’s microcomputers, they seem like
the ideal tools for creating a most elabo¬
rate “busy-box” for the very young
child. Since fascination with colors,
changes in shape, sound and patterns are
essential elements in the experimental
world of children at this stage of
development, sensory stimulation by
computer may serve the same functions
that brightly colored toys and objects
hanging over the cribs of infants today
serve. Programmed shapes and swirls
that move across the screen, change size
and shape, appear and disappear may
help train visual reflexes, as well as be¬
come a source of interest and pleasure
for the infant or very young child. Al¬
though research has yet to bear this out,
it is certainly a question that merits fur¬
ther investigation.

The Preoperational Stage

The second stage in Piaget’s develop¬
mental framework is called the
preoperational stage and spans the two
to seven year age range. During this pe¬
riod, the child begins to gain control
over his environment, largely because of
his ability to use language to express
ideas. There are, however, still many
limitations which prevent the child from
performing mental operations as well as
he can perform physical ones. These
restrictions are very evident during the
early parts of this phase and gradually
disappear as the child enters the primary
grades.

The limitations of preoperational
thinking include the belief that inani¬
mate objects can have human qualities,
the inability to recognize that matter is
conserved regardless of changes in form,
the inability to understand groupings
and hierarchical configurations, a nar¬
row concentration on one aspect of a
situation to the exclusion of all others,
an inability to understand that some¬
thing can have more than one meaning.

One child I know who is in the
preoperational stage became very excited
when his mother sarcastically an¬
nounced that his sister was late for din¬
ner by saying that she would soon
“grace us with her presence.” The child,
thinking that this statement meant that
she would come downstairs and give

April 1983 ° Creative Computing

the

classic
fantasy
game
for the
Apple II
by

Don Worth

can you
find the
golden
apple?

Don Worth, the co-author of Beneath Apple DOS and Bag of Tricks, has returned to his first love — fantasy adventure! This
special edition of the game that Softalk magazine labels a "classic” is far better than the popular original — with faster
reaction time, high resolution graphics, sound effects, a deeper dungeon, and more monster types and magic items. Lots of
adventure at a reasonable price . . . $29.95.

Runs on any 48K Apple II or Apple II Plus with one disk drive.

quality

SOFTWARE

6660 Reseda Blvd., Suite 105, Reseda, CA 91335 • (213) 344 6599
CIRCLE 256 ON READER SERVICE CARD

My 5-Year-Old Knows Basic, continued...

everyone at the table “presents,” became
extremely happy, but later cried in
frustration and disappointment when the
word was not kept. No amount of
explanation could convince him that
there was more than one meaning to the
word “presents.”

Although the abilities of children at
this age are limited to the physical, chil¬
dren at this level can begin to learn
much from computers, even though
programming skills are still out of the
question. Children of six or seven can
easily learn to boot a disk, work a joy¬
stick controller, and use a keyboard.

At this stage of cognitive develop¬
ment, the computer can become a useful
training tool to teach number and letter
recognition, color discrimination, sight
vocabulary, and some number skills.
Since this period covers a wide span of
ages, it would not be realistic to think
that a two-year-old could accomplish
the same tasks as a seven-year-old.

I have found, however, that some
twos, many threes, and almost all fours
can manipulate both joysticks and pad¬
dles surprisingly well. These children
can have lots of fun drawing swirls and
scribbles with the joystick using a rel¬
atively simple Basic program. Although
this may be more fun than educational,
it does stimulate various eye movements,

gets children to use their eyes and hands
together, and provides an opportunity
for attaining mastery over an
environment.

Children at the upper range of this
developmental period (5 to 7) can start

Children of six or
seven can easily learn
to boot a disk, work a
joystick controller, and
use a keyboard.

to learn spelling exercises like Hangman,
and game-oriented drill-practice ex¬
ercises in CAI. Exercises such as these
have often been called fancy flash cards,
but this should not be looked at neg¬
atively. Both flash cards and the com¬
puter provide training for a task that is
boring but necessary—memorization.
Some things are best learned by memo¬
rization and flash cards as well as com¬
puter assisted drills. Both provide the
practice necessary to learn something by
rote.

The Concrete Operations Stage

The third stage in Piaget’s develop¬
mental framework is called the concrete
operations stage and lasts from the sev¬
enth year until approximately the elev¬
enth year. During this period many of
the limitations of the preoperational
stage disappear, as the child gains con¬
cepts of size, spatial relationships, and
conservation of matter. In this stage the
child can manipulate more than one
aspect of a problem at a time and can do
math problems and some word problems
in his head. The major limitation of this
developmental phase is the inability to
think and perform in the abstract. The
abilities of the concrete operational child
are limited by the events, objects and
physical representations at hand.

In the later years of this period, chil¬
dren can start to become familiar with
some of the Basic language commands,
like the print, input, and goto state¬
ments. At this level children can learn
how to solve simple arithmetic problems
using the computer primarily as a
calculating tool. CAI tutorials and prac¬
tice drills are very easily understood and
enjoyed and can be implemented with¬
out much help from the classroom
teacher or parent since the children now
possess adequate reading skills. Using
the computer to construct a model or

Just when you thought it was safe to go back into software...

THE PROGRAM WITH PERSONALITY

Bit by bit, you've been turning your life over to microcom¬
puters. Your checkbook, budgeting, and financial planning has
been automated. Your mail is electronic. Your idea of a night’s
entertainment is sitting in the glow of a CRT. Now you can take
the final step. You can turn your personal life over to a program.

DELIZA II was designed to provide the kind of companionship
you’ve only dreamt about until now. Here is an actual sample
conversation:

USER: What shall we have for dinner?

DELIZA II: What makes you feel you want dinner?

USER: Well, I’m hungry.

DELIZA II: What makes you feel you are hungry?

USER: I haven’t eaten since this morning.

DELIZA II: What makes you feel you have not eaten since this
morning?

USER: You can t be hungry, can you? You’re a machine.
DELIZA II: Let’s talk about you.

State of the art programming techniques pack DELIZA II with

flexibility. For example, DELIZA II knows more than twenty
responses to the phrase "How about it?”

If you’ve been disappointed in conversational programs
before, try DELIZA II just once. In terms of output, DELIZA II
puts out.

We’ve put the “art” into artificial intelligence.

SCHIZOPHRENIC SOFTWARE

101 DALMATIONS BLVD.

LITTLE RACK, ARKANSAG 76131

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

162

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CIRCLE 174 ON READER SERVICE CARD

My 5-Year-Old Knows Basic, continued...

simulation from scratch, and program¬
ming with advanced concepts such as
conditional and branching statements
are still beyond the capabilities of most
children at this stage because they lack
the sophisticated abstract reasoning abil¬
ity required.

The Stage of Formal Operations

The final stage of development in
Piaget’s conceptual framework is the
stage of formal operations and includes
ages 11 through about 14. Piaget be¬
lieves that by the time a child achieves
the level of formal operational thought,
he has all the cognitive “equipment”
necessary to construct theories, design
elaborate tools, and do higher level prob¬
lem solving tasks.

The only thing that separates the cog¬
nitive abilities of a child who has
achieved this level of thinking from a
scientist or engineer, Piaget believes, is
the content of what is being thought
about, not the ability to manipulate that
content. The formal operational child
can make judgments based on abstrac¬
tion and speculation and needs no con¬
crete frame of reference. Problem
solving can be accomplished by deduc¬
tive hypothesis testing in an orderly
scientific fashion, using mental strategies
that do not necessarily come from

experience.

During this period children begin to
understand and use sarcasm, double¬
entendre, and metaphor. They can be
taught to exploit the computer to its
fullest capacity, and are ready for their
first real experiences in higher language
programming. Simulations can be devel¬
oped (the nuclear power plant simula¬
tion Scram from Atari was developed by
a 14-year-old), and learning about
computers can be facilitated through the
understanding of computer architecture.

Frustration is a natural
part of almost every
human experience
almost every day.

At this level children can create their
own computer assisted instruction tools
and exercises as well as benefit from
drills and tutorials. This is not to say
that every 14-year-old can or will be a
master programmer, it simply means
that, developmentally, children who
have achieved the milestones of formal
operational thinking will be ready for

the experience of learning about more
advanced computer concepts and
applications.

Behavioral Sophistication

An understanding of the cognitive
abilities of children is important in
determining what computer experiences
are most appropriate for them. How¬
ever, behavioral competence is equally
important, and can affect whether a
child is ready to begin using a computer.
Behavioral factors which will influence a
child’s ability to learn about and benefit
from the computer include attention
span, frustration tolerance, ability to de¬
lay gratification, perseverance, self-mon¬
itoring ability and self-motivation, and
autonomy.

Attention span is, of course extremely
important and must be carefully consid¬
ered particularly with young children.
Physical factors such as eye strain can
cause fatigue and sometimes even head¬
aches in children who must attend to a
CRT for long periods of time. The atten¬
tion span for most four- to six-year-olds
who do one task over and over again is
between five and ten minutes.

As childen get older, their attention
spans gradually increase so that by the
time a child reaches the age of 10 or 11
he can sit at a task for 40 minutes or so.

psssst• . •

Wizplus. $39.95/Apple II

.wat>i?a wit? at
WIZARDRY* -

WIZPLUS

makes you all powerful.

If the Wizardry adventures have you stumped, frustrated and discouraged, help is here! Wizplus
is the magical utility program that gives you power over “Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord*”
and “Knight of Diamonds*”—the power to make any changes you need or want. Mow, within a few
minutes time you can improve the survivability of your fantasy characters so you can continue to
play and enjoy these exceptional games as long as you want to!

Wizplus lets you easily and quickly change, restore, add, modify, recover, edit, or move any
characters, their equipment, spells or treasures. It’s a marvelous enhancement to your enchant¬
ing fun—for it permits you to progress more rapidly and experience all the marvels of these fantasy
adventures. At computer stores, or:

H DATAMOST

8943 Fullbright Ave.. Chatsworth, CA 91311. (213) 709-1202

*Wizardry, Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord, and Knight of Diamonds are trademark prod¬
ucts of Sir-tech Software, Inc.

VISA/MASTERCARD accepted. $2.00 shippins/handlins charge. (California residents add 6’/«% sales tax.)

Apple II is a trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.

CIRCLE 159 ON READER SERVICE CARD

NEW Unlocked Apple Utility Disks

uep- Don't Blow Your Bucks on Locked-UpUncopyable Apple Software.*01

Frame-Up Flex Text

* > 70-COLUMN TEXT UTIL

HI-SPEED GRAPHICS DISPLAT
BY TOM WEISHAAR

CREATE PROFESSIONAL PRESENTATIONS of
intermixed hi-res, lores and text frames. Easy-to
use and FAST— hi-res images load in 2 l h-
seconds! Paddles or Keyboard-advance frames in
forward or reverse.

UNATTENDED SHOWS are possible with each
frame individually pre-programmed to appear on
the screen from 1 to 99 seconds.

TEXT SCREEN EDITOR lets you create your
own b/w text “slides". Add type "live" from the
keyboard during presentations if you want

DISPLAY MODULE: Send entire presentations-
on-disk to your friends and associates.
FRAME-UP: $29.50

(Includes Peeks/Pokes Chart)

Apple Mechanic

SHAPE-WRITER/BYTE-ZAP DISK
BY BERT KERSEY

SHAPE EDITOR: Keyboard-draw shapes for hi¬
res animation in your programs. Design propor¬
tionally-spaced typefaces with special
characters. 6 fonts on the disk. Listable demos
show how to use shape tables to animate,
graphics and professional Charts & Grapi

BYTE-ZAP: Rewrite any byte on a disk for repair
or alteration. Load entire sectors on the screen
for inspection. Hex/Dec/Ascii displays and input
Complete instructions for making trick file
names, restoring deleted files, etc.

MORE: Useful music, text and hi-res tricks for
your programs. Educational documentation.
APPLE MECHANIC: $29.50

(includes Peeks/Pokes Chort ft Tip Book#5)

70-COLUMN TEXT UTILITY
BY MARK SIM0N8EN

Typefaces

_FOR APPLE MECHANIC_

26 NEW FONTS for Apple Mechanic’s Xtyper
and Hi-Writer programs. Most are full 96-charac¬
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ters. (Apple Mechanic required)

BEAGLE MENU: Use with your disks. Display
only the filenames you want (e.g. only Applesoft
files or only Locked files) for one-key cursor
selection/execution. Space-on-disk, catalog
scan, optional sector-number elimination.
TYPEFACES for Apple Mechanic: $20.00

(Includes Peeks/Pokes Chart ft Beagle Menu Utility)

Beagle Bag &

1 a-GAMES-PLUS ON ONE DISK
BY BERT KERSEY

TWELVE GREAT GAMES from the classic Bea-
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wowzo, Magic Pack, Buzzword... Almost all ofour
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COMPARE BEAGLE BAG with any one-game
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games are a blast, the price is right, the instruc¬
tions are crystal clear, AND the disk is copyable.
You can even change the programs or list them to
LEARN, and see what makes them tick.

BEAGLE MENU TOO: See “Typefaces" above.

BEAGLE BAG: $29.50

‘ ‘ ‘ “ )ft Beogle 1

PRINT VARIABLE-WIDTH TEXT on the hi res
screens with normal Applesoft commands
(including Htab 1-70). Normal, expanded & com¬
pressed text on same screen— no hardware!

ADD GRAPHICS TO TEXT or vice-versa. Run
existing programs under Flex Text control. Easy
to use and compatible with PLE© and GPLE.©
DOS TOOL KIT© FONT compatibility, or use
Flex Text fonts. Select up to 9 fonts with ctrl-key
commands. Print/List/Catalog in any style! Cus¬
tom TEXT CHARACTER EDITOR included.

FLEX TEXT: $29.50

(Includes Peeks/Pokes Chart; requires monitor)

Utility City

21 UTILITIES ON ONE DISK
BY BERT KERSEY

LIST FORMATTER prints each program state¬
ment on a new line. Loops indented with printer
page breaks. A great de-bugger! Also...

MULTI-COLUMN catalogs for printouts, auto¬
post Run-number & Date m programs, put invisi¬
ble commands in programs, create INVISIBLE file
names, alphabetize/store info on disk, convert
decimal to hex or INT to FP, renumber to 65535,
append programs, dump text-screen to printer...

MORE TOO: 21 Programs Total, a best-seller!

UTILITY CITY: $29.50

(Includes Peeks/Pokes Chart ft Tip Book#3)

— JR OOSTJB 94

FOR A = 1 TO 22: PRINT CHR$(ASC (MID$(
“IJ—!IPX(T!ZPVS!TJTUFS@”, A, 1))—A/A);

FOR B = 1 TO 4: C = PEEK(49200): NEXT B, A

DOS Boss

DISK COMMAND EDITOR
BY BERT KERSEY * JACK CASSIDY

RENAME COMMANDS & ERROR MESSAGES:
"Catalog" can be "C"; “Syntax Error" can be
"Oops” or anything you want Protect your pro¬
grams; unauthorized save-attempt can produce
wot Copyable" message. Also LIST-prevention
and one-key program-run from catalog

CUSTOMIZE DOS: Change Disk Volume head¬
ing to your message. Omit/alter catalog file codes.
Fascinating documentation and tips; hours of
juicy reading and Apple experiments.

ANYONE USING YOUR DISKS (booted or not)
will be formatting DOS the way you designed it.

DOS BOSS: $24.00

(Includes Peeks/Pokes Chart A Tip Book#2)

Tip Disk* 1

100 TIP BOOK TIPS ON DISK
BY BERT KERSEY

100 LISTABLE PROGRAMS from Beagle Bros
Tip Books 1-4. Make your Apple do things its |
never done! All programs changeable for expert -1
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TIP DISK#1: $20.00

(Includes Peeks/Pokes and Apple Command Charts) I

ProntoDOS

V* HIGH-SPEED DISK UTILIT

HIGH-SPEED DISK UTILITY
_BY TOM WEISHAAR_

HIGH-SPEED DOS! Take a look—

Function.Normal Pronto

BLOAD HI RES IMAGE.10 sec. 3 sec.

BSAVE HI RES IMAGE.12 sec. 6 sec.

LOAD 60-SECTOR PROGRAM ... 16 sec. 4 sec.
SAVE 60-SECTOR PROGRAM ... 24 sec. 9 sec.

BLOAD LANGUAGE CARD.13 sec. 4 sec.

TEXT FILES . (no change)

BOOT PRONTO DOS or any updated normal-3.3
disk. Create new ProntoDos disks with the nor¬
mal INIT command. ProntoDos is compatible with
ALL DOS COMMANDS and performs normally
with almost ALL programs, including CopyA.

MORE DISK SPACE: ProntoDos frees-up 15-
extra-sectors per disk, almost one full track!

PRONTO-DOS: $29.50

(Includes Peeks/Pokes Chart)

Alpha Plot

HI-RES GRAPHICS/TEXT UTILITY
BY BERT KERSEY 6* JACK CASSIDY

DRAW IN HI-RES, on 2 pages, using keyboard or
paddles/joystick. See lines before plotting.
Mixed-colors and reverse (background opposite).
Fast circles, boxes and ellipses; filled or outlined.

COMPRESS HI RES PIX to 1/3 Disk-Space.
Superimpose pages or re-locate any rectangular
image area anywhere on either hi-res page.

HI-RES TEXT: Proportional spacing adjustable
character size and color, upper/lower case, no tab
limits, sideways typing for graphs.

ALPHA PLOT: $39.50

(Includes Peeks/Pokes Chart ft Tip Book#4)

(Includes Peeks/Pokes Chart i

> Menu Utility)

SINCE I GOT MY
BEAGLE BROS COMMAND
CHART, IVE ACQUIRED

NEW VIM AND VIOOM

(an unsolicited endorsement)

“APPLE" Is a 1
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trade mark of J
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Where to Buy Beagle Bros Disks:

MOST APPLE DEALERS cany Beagle Bros software.

If yours doesn’t get on his case. Or order directly
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j Visa/MasterCard/COD, call TOLL FREE:

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| Alaska/Hawaii: 1-800-854-2622 ext. 827

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to BEAGLE BROS, Dept. C

j 4315 SIERRA VISTA / SAN DIEGO, CA 92103

I Please add 81.50 First Class shipping any size order.

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ALL ORDERS SHIPPED IMMEDIATELY.

CIRCLE 114 ON READER SERVICE CARD

My 5-Year-Old Knows Basic, continued...

Add 3-D to your

VisiCalc®

(No, it's not a new graphics package.)
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Visa/Mastercard, Call Toll-Free
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DEALER INQUIRIES INVITED

CIRCLE 103 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Frustration is a natural part of almost
every human experience almost every
day. We are human and prone to err. A
sign of behavioral maturity is the ability
to persevere through frustration and try
again. Too much frustration can exhaust
our patience and build lasting negative
attitudes and even a conditioned aver¬
sion to the source of the frustration. This
is one reason why it is not a good idea to
push children beyond their develop¬
mental capabilities.

Although computers can induce
frustration, they can also help us to
become more patient and understanding
of our flaws. The concept of debugging
should be taught to children even before
they begin programming. Psychologi¬
cally, it is extremely healthy to be able to
own up to one’s mistakes. In computer
programming, mistakes are both normal
and natural, just as they are in life, but
we can change them faster and have
more tolerance of them, thereby perceiv¬
ing them as acceptable. Mistakes in com¬
puter programming also elicit help and
cooperation from other children foster¬
ing peer help and support.

Children who are apt to respond to
frustration with impulsive or destructive
outbursts are not yet ready to use
computers. A certain degree of auton¬
omy and self-motivation is a desirable

behavioral pre-requisite for computer
experience. Children who are overly
dependent on the teacher’s attention are
likely to become distracted very easily
from computer tasks. Similarly, children
must be able to reinforce themselves for
their successes. Even though computers
offer one kind of reinforcement in the
form of feedback, praise for effort can
help a child stick to a task that is becom¬
ing frustrating or difficult.

Summary

In summary, I have tried to present a
basic outline of the ways children de¬
velop both intellectually and behav-
iorally. It is important to let a child
work at his own speed and remember
that not every child will take to comput¬
ing, no matter how desirable a skill it is
to learn. Understanding the child’s cog¬
nitive abilities and experiential world
can help us construct the most meaning¬
ful teaching experiences possible.

Most adults (including me) have to
live with the feeling of being over¬
whelmed with responsibility daily, let’s
not make kids older than they are. Spare
them the feeling of being overwhelmed
until they’re older—in today’s fast-mov¬
ing world that leaves them their freedom
all the way up to the ripe old age of
about 13. □

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TERMS: Send check or money order. No
cash please, if check is not certified
shipment will be delayed. For Visa or
Master Charge, include Card Number,
Expiration Date, Interbank Number, In¬
terbank Initials (if any), and Name of
Card Issuer. Sorry, No. COD.

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800-368-2773 Ext 358

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RIXOIM

_INC.

CIRCLE 255 ON READER SERVICE CARD
Please mail your orders to: Rixon Inc., ATT: R103J Offer, 2120 Industrial Parkway, Silver Spring, Maryland 20904

ORDERING INFORMATION- To cover
UPS shipping & handling add $5.00 for
R103J or $9.00 for PC1200. Include full
name, address, & zip code. UPS will not
deliver to a P.O. Box Number, local sales
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Teach Your Kids
Programming

Learning a programming language
yourself is one thing. Helping your child
learn programming is another. Although
we are about seven years into the com¬
puter revolution, there is as yet little
information to guide and assist parents
in teaching programming to their chil¬
dren. This article discusses which con¬
cepts and facts are appropriate to be
learned, points out some differences in
the ways adults and children learn, and
outlines methods that work in home
teaching of programming. At the end is
a list of programs and manuals that are
helpful to children learning
programming.

This article was born out of my recent
experiences in helping organize and
teach the “Computers and You” sum¬
mer camp at Michigan State University
(using Pets), writing Basic manuals for
children in the age range 10 to 14 years,
and more recently, working with Logo.

There has been a spate of courses re¬
cently to teach “computer literacy.” I
advocate going beyond literacy to actual
competence in programming. The rea¬
sons are several, and the best exposition
of them is given by Seymour Papert in
his book Mindstorms: Children,
Computers and Powerful Ideas . Much of
what follows in this article is influenced
by Papert’s ideas and those of his mentor
Piaget. I urge any adult interested in
computing and children read
Mindstorms.

Edward H. Carlson, Physics Department, Michigan
State University, East Lansing, MI 48824.

Edward H. Carlson

Procedures are the thing. Papert
points out that up to now our culture
has been relatively lean in opportunities
for children to learn and practice with
procedures. Perhaps the greatest change

Even very bright
children under the age
of 12 may be slow in
mastering the more
abstract parts of
programming.

that computers will bring our society is
the reversal of this state of affairs.

Procedures in programming are
named, broken down into steps, modi¬
fied, arranged in hierarchical calling
sequences, found to be in error (often!),
and debugged. They perform a wide
variety of functions: games, graphics dis¬
plays, robot control, sound, speech and
music. By contrast, the procedures
learned in traditional schooling are typi¬
fied by long division in arithmetic. They

are often learned by rote, and cannot
easily be manipulated or experimented
with by the student.

The impact made by computing is
enhanced by a process called “syntonic
learning” by Papert. It involves the
transfer or modeling of ideas from some
familiar domain of activity to a more
abstract domain. The mechanical turtle
was invented to give young children a
concrete object to manipulate with their
programs. Graphics turtles on the screen
serve the same purpose.

Another impact that computers can
have on children does not involve
programming at all. It is the freedom
from drudgery that word processors give
children learning to write compositions.
Since much of the labor of text revision
is removed, children can be more critical
of the content and mode of presentation
of their thoughts.

Choosing a programming language
for your child to learn involves several
factors: the age of the child, which com¬
puter is available, cost of software, and
social questions such as what local
schools, the child’s friends and so forth
are doing.

Logo has been designed to be an easy
entry language for children. Its turtle
graphics, simple syntax, and emphasis
on procedure calling are all valuable fea¬
tures. However, its lisp-like “tree” struc¬
ture is quite different from the Basic,
Fortran, and assembly language
grouping.

Because it is still by far the most
widely used language for micro-

168

April 1983 ° Creative Computing

AARDVARK - THE ADVENTURE PLACE

TRS-80 COLOR COMMODORE 24 VIC-20 SINCLAIR/TIMEX TI99

WE CARRY MORE THAN ADVENTURES!!

MAXI-PROS WORD PROCESSING

The easiest to use word processor that I
know of. Has all the features of a major word
processor (right and left margin justification,
page numbering,global and line editing,single,
double, triple spacing, text centering, etc.) at
a very cheap price because we wrote it in
BASIC. Includes 40 page manual and learning
guide. Easily modified to handle almost any
printer combination. Available on disk or tape
for VIC20, COMMODORE64, and TRS-80
COLOR computer. Requires 13k RAM on
Vic, 16k EXTENDED on TRS-80 COLOR. ^
$19.95 on tape $24.95 on disk.

GENERAL LEDGER — Complete bookkeep¬
ing for a small business. Disk required. For
Vic20 (13k), Commodore64, TRS-80 COLOR
(16k EXTENDED). $69.95 (Send $1.00 for
manual before ordering.)

LABYRINTH - 16K EXTENDED COLOR
BASIC — With amazing 3D graphics, you fight
your way through a maze facing real time
monsters. The graphics are real enough to
cause claustrophobia.

Similar game for Timex/Sinclair 16k - hunting
treasure instead of monsters $14.95.

iifi- •

ADVENTURE WRITING/DEATHSH IP by
Rodger Olsen — This is a data sheet showing
how we do it. It is about 14 pages of detailed
instructions how to write your own adven¬
tures. It contains the entire text of Deathship.
Data sheet - $3.95. NOTE: Owners of TI99,
TRS-80, TRS-80 Color, and Vic 20 computers
can also get Deathship on tape for an addi¬
tional $5.00.

Dealers—We have the best deal going for you.
Good discounts, exchange programs, and fac¬
tory support. Send for Dealer Information.
Authors —Aardvark pays the highest commis¬
sions in the industry and gives programs the
widest possible advertising coverage. Send a
Self Addressed Stamped Envelope for our
Authors Information Package.

ADVENTURES - Adventures are a unique
form of computer game. They let you spend
30 to 70 hours exploring and conquering a
world you have never seen before. There is
little or no luck in Adventuring. The rewards
are for creative thinking, courage, and wise
gambling — not fast reflexes.

In Adventuring, the computer speaks and
listens to plain English. No prior knowledge
of computers, special controls, or games is re¬
quired so everyone enjoys them—even people
who do not like computers.

Except for Quest, itself unique among Ad¬
venture games, Adventures are non-graphic.
Adventures are more like a novel than a comic
book or arcade game. It is like reading a par¬
ticular exciting book where you are the main
character.

All of the Adventures in this ad are in Basic.
They are full featured, fully plotted adventures
that will take a minimum of thirty hours (in
several sittings) to play.

Adventuring requires 16k on Sinclair, TRS-
80, and TRS-80 Color. They require 8k on OSI
and 13k on VIC-20. Sinclair requires extended
BASIC. Now available for TI99.

TREK ADVENTURE by Bob Retelle - This
one takes place aboard a familiar starship and
is a must for trekkies. The problem is a famil¬
iar one — The ship is in a "decaying orbit"
(the Captain never could learn to park!) and
the engines are out (You would think that in
all those years, they would have learned to
build some that didn't die once a week). Your
options are to start the engine, save the ship,
get off the ship, or die. Good Luck.

Authors note to players — I wrote this one
with a concordance in hand. It is very accurate
— and a lot of fun. It was nice to wander
around the ship instead of watching it on T.V.

DERELICT by Rodger Olsen and Bob Ander¬
son — For Wealth and- Glory, you have to ran¬
sack a thousand year old space ship. You'll
have to learn to speak their language and
operate the machinery they left behind. The
hardest problem of all is tojive through it.

Authors note to players — This adventure
is the new winner in the "Toughest Adventure
at Aardvark Sweepstakes". Our most difficult
problem in writing the adventure was to keep
it logical and realistic. There are no irrational
traps and sudden senseless deaths in Derelict.
This ship was designed to be perfectly safe for
its' builders. It just happens to be deadly to
alien invaders like you.

Dungeons of Death — Just for the 16k TRS-
80 COLOR, this is the first D&D type game
good enough to qualify at Aardvark. This is
serious D&D that allows 1 to 6 players to go
on a Dragon Hunting, Monster Killing, Dun¬
geon Exploring Quest. Played on an on-screen
map, you get a choice of race and character
(Human, Dwarf, Soldier, Wizard, etc.), a
chance to grow from game to game, and a 15
page manual. At the normal price for an Ad¬
venture ($14.95 tape, $19.95 disk), this is a
giveaway.

PYRAMID by Rodger Olsen - This is one of
our toughest Adventures. Average time
through the Pyramid is 50 to 70 hours. The
old boys who built this Pyramid did not mean
for it to be ransacked by people like you.

Authors note to players — This is a very
entertaining and very tough adventure. I left
clues everywhere but came up with some ih-
genous problems. This one has captivated
people so much that I get calls daily from as
far away as New Zealand and France from
bleary eyed people who are stuck in the
Pyramid and desperate for more clues.

MARS by Rodger Olsen — Your ship crashed-
on the Red Planet and you have to get home.
You will have to explore a Martian city, repair
your ship and deal with possibly hostile aliens
to get home again.

Authors note to players — This is highly
recommended as a first adventure. It is in no
way simple—playing time normally runs from
30 to 50 hours — but it is constructed in a
more "open" manner to let you try out ad¬
venturing and get used to the game before
you hit the really tough problems.

QUEST by Bob Retelle and Rodger Olsen -
THIS IS DIFFERENT FROM ALL THE
OTHER GAMES OF ADVENTURE!!!! It is
played on a computer generated map of
Alesia. You lead a small band of adventurers
on a mission to conquer the Citadel of Moor-
lock. You have to build an army and then arm
and feed them by combat, bargaining, explora¬
tion of ruins and temples, and outright ban¬
ditry. The game takes 2 to 5 hours to play
and is different each time. The TRS-80 Color
version has nice visual effects and sound. Not
available on OSI. This is the most popular
game we have ever published.

32K TRS 80 COLOR Version $24.95.

Adds a second level with dungeons and
more Questing.

PRICE AND AVAILABILITY:

All adventures are $14.95 on tape. Disk
versions are available on VIC/COMMODORE
and TRS-80 Color for $2.00 additional. $2.00
shipping charge on each order.

Please specify system on all orders

ALSO FROM AARDVARK — This is only a partial list of what we carry. We have a lot of other games (particularly for the
TRS-80 Color and OSI), business programs, blank tapes and disks and hardware. Send $1.00 for our complete catalog.

AARDVARK

2352 S. Commerce, Walled Lake, Ml 48088 / (313) 669-3110

Phone Orders Accepted 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. EST. Mon.-Fri.

TRS-80 COLOR TIMEX/SINCLAIR COMMODORE 64 VIC-20

$2.00 shipping on each order

CIRCLE 101 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Teach Them Programming, continued...

Figure 1. The NEW command. Visual and verbal metaphors are a strong crutch to
remembering the meaning of the Basic commands and to understanding con¬
cepts. (® Datamost)

computers, I will concentrate on the
teaching of Basic to children. However,
much of what I say has broader implica¬
tions for children and learning.

The Children

One should adjust teaching methods
and goals to the development age of the
child. Here are some guidelines:

Toddler through second grade. You
cannot depend on reading or arithmetic
skills. The children may start with “one
finger” turtle graphics (Logo or the Nib¬
ble program) and advance to procedures
and true programming as seems
appropriate.

Grades 3 through 6 . These students
have adequate reading and arithmetic
skills, but verbal teaching and hands-on
trials are the most important modes for
learning. The abstract reasoning ability
of children in this age group is relatively
undeveloped. The book by Larsen
(described later) is at the right level.

Grades 7 through 9. At about age 12,
children have finished a growth spurt in
abstract reasoning. From here on, learn¬
ing adult level programming is feasible.
However, the methods that children
bring to learning are different from those
of adults, and adult level manuals are
rarely suitable for them.

Grades 10 through 12. Adult texts and
teaching methods may be used. Students
still have a relatively small kit of models
of the world with which to generate
programming ideas.

These guidelines are approximate, and
individual children vary considerably.
However, even very bright children
under the age of 12 may be slow in
mastering the more abstract parts of
programming, and it is unwise to push
them beyond their current interests and
abilities.

Differences Between
Children and Adults

The little people have their own way
of getting along in the world. Following
are some differences that one notices
between children and adults. Of course,
everyone, adult and child alike, really
falls somewhere between the extremes
described here.

The child: holistic, practical, easily
swamped by details.

The adult: understands by mastering
the details, mastering relationships
between details, and arriving at a theo¬
retical model of the situation.

The child: relatively inexperienced,
few models of the world.

The adult: has many models and looks
for similarities to past experiences.

The child: slow at typing and prone to
giving up when boring portions of the
task need doing.

The adult: Better typing skills, and
tolerant of boring tasks.

Naturally, being adults ourselves, we
feel that our duty lies in helping the
child to become like us. However, you
and your child will be more successful if
you allow him to approach program¬
ming in his own style.

What Exactly Is Programming?

There are some interesting misconcep¬
tions about programming. Most people
think it is similar to mathematics. In
fact, it often turns out that way only
because the adults most interested in
programming typically are skilled in
math. But the child is not usually skilled
in math. He may be skilled in arithmetic,
but there are children’s activities that
come much closer to programming than
does arithmetic.

One of these is playing with building
blocks. Just as a bag full of blocks has
many copies of a relatively small number
of standard sizes and shapes, a Basic
program uses a small set of standardized
commands. Yet in each case, an intricate
and original structure can be built.
Creativity rarely shows up at the
individual unit level (a new use of the
triangle block). It shows more often in
combinations using a few units (certain
ways of building walls or tower bases)

April 1983 ° Creative Computing

Figure 2. The shelf of boxes metaphor for memory is often mentioned in textbooks.
However, it should not only be mentioned, but used completely and consistently for
long enough to make it habitual for the student. (® Datamost)

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Teach Them Programming, continued...

Figure 3. Young students find the IF . . .THEN construction a difficult concept
to grasp. there are two metaphors. The verbal one guided the designers of the Basic
language in their choice of words. (® Datamost)

and most often at the large scale (a
unique and imaginative castle built from
the blocks).

Writing is a familiar school activity
that forms a model for programming.
Writing a one page theme on “What I
Like About Springtime” involves
organizing your thoughts on several
scales, from the topic as a whole down to
paragraph and sentence levels. Finally,
spelling, grammar and punctuation must
be correct. The analogy to writing a
Basic program is very close.

And what about arithmetic? To the
extent that it is drill on arithmetic facts
and memorization of procedures such as
the addition of fractions, it is not very
similar to programming. Of course, pro¬
grams usually use some arithmetic: for
example to place dots on the screen in
building a picture. And story problems
in arithmetic (which children usually
find very hard) require skills in problem
solving that are also required in writing
programs.

Teach These Concepts

Children have the most trouble learn¬
ing concepts. (They pick up the syntax
and commands at a reasonable rate.) A
good manual presents the teacher with a
list of concepts that should be mastered,
arranged in the order in which the
material is presented. Here is such a list,
followed by comments, and tuned up for
Microsoft Basic.

1. What you see on the screen is not
what is in memory.

2. Memory. Think of it as a shelf of
boxes. Each box has a label on the
front and the value of the variable
inside.

3. The boxes are of three kinds, lines
(of the program), string variables,
numerical variables.

4. A program is a list of commands
performed in order.

5. The immediate mode and the run
mode.

6. Variable naming, single letter
names first.

7. Flow of control.
goto ...
timing loop

FOR . . . NEXT

if . . . then all on one line

if . . . then branching to another

line

8. Screen graphics. Cartesian
coordinates.

9. Subroutines and “mind size bites.”

10. Task organization: initialization;
instructions and prompts; main
loop: calls subroutines; finish and
graceful exit of program.

11. Format of a Basic program.

12. Debugging is a natural part of
programming, and should be done
in an organized way.

Comments On The Concepts
The box metaphor applied to memory
is very powerful and should be referred
to at every opportunity. For younger
children, a set of similar cartons (e.g. the
bottoms of cardboard quart milk car¬
tons) can be used to illustrate the pro¬
cess with a few short sample programs.
Each carton has a label on the front, and
the contents are program lines (during
the program writing phase) or variable
values (during the running of the pro¬
gram). Write the name of the variable

The box metaphor
applied to memory is
very powerful and
should be referred to
at every opportunity.

(or the line number) on the label, then
put a scrap of paper with the value of the
variable (or the Basic line) in the box.

Children enjoy seeing the “real boxes”
in the computer. Show them the mem¬
ory chips in the computer, stressing that
each contains thousands of boxes. Bet¬
ter, get an EPROM with its transparent
window revealing the chip and a power¬
ful magnifying glass, and show them the
rows of boxes. Of course, even under
magnification, imagination is required to
resolve the gates (boxes) in their rows.

The immediate mode has several other
names: edit mode, calculator mode, etc.
This is where it is better to avoid over
explanation. The child’s natural holistic
and practical approach will succeed in
keeping the immediate mode and the run
mode separate. You need only keep an
eye on things and straighten out any
confusion.

Variable names are best kept to a sin¬
gle letter. Doing so means less typing,
and in short programs there is little need
for longer names. The Microsoft naming
conventions that only the first two let¬
ters count and that embedded reserved
words must be avoided create quite a po¬
tent source of error and confusion when
using longer names.

For the most part, the order in which
Basic commands are taught is not too
critical. A good manual will introduce
commands in such an order that
interesting (but short) programs can be
written right away. However the “flow
of control” commands are very abstract
and must be introduced slowly and with
care. The order shown above works well.

goto ... is an easy introduction to
the notion that the orderly flow of con¬
trol down the program listing can be
interrupted. The timing loop is next pre¬
sented as a unit, without explaining its
structure:

30 FOR T = 1 to 1000 :NEXT

Tell the little squirmers that the com¬
puter is “it” in a game of tag, and is
counting to 1000 before going on with
the program. This timing loop is good
for slowing programs down enough to
see what is happening.

172

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

Figure 4. The fork in the road metaphor for the IF. . .THEN construction. This
visual metaphor sees the program listing as a map and is especially important in
complicated programs. You should draw lines for flow of control on listings, e.g.
from GOTO statements to where they “goto, ” to help the student visualize the road
map. (® Datamost)

Next, tell them that the computer can
do other things while counting, and in¬
troduce the full for . . . NEXT
loop—slowly.

The conditional, if . . . then, is a very
hard concept. Use two metaphors, one
visual, the other verbal, to explain it.
Examples are given in Figures 3 and 4.
First teach if . . . then in which only a
single command (not a goto)) follows
the then. Let this digest for a few les¬
sons, then show the use of if . . . then
to make larger loops (by using
goto ... after the then).

Teaching Advanced Concepts

We have come to a natural break in
the topics covered. The lessons up to this
point have concerned individual com¬
mands and simple combinations of
them. The programs have been short (up
to about 10 lines), yet they can do
interesting things both in graphics and
in verbal play.

Now the student will attempt larger
projects and learn more commands and
the fine points about how to handle
strings and screen graphics. But it is
important to continue teaching the
larger aspects of the art of programming.
These include task organization and
debugging techniques.

The hierarchical organization of a
program is made easier by programming
from a template. When starting a new
program, a standard format is loaded,
then filled in. Such a format is given in
Listing 1.

Techniques Of Teaching

The following are some rules and
procedures that are valuable for teaching
children regardless of age.

Preparing Yourself

Buy a good manual written for chil¬
dren the age of your child. If it is written
for your brand of computer, great. If it
isn’t, go through it and change the text
to match your computer.

Don’t start by teaching
arithmetic on the
computer.

An alternative, if you are proficient in
Basic yourself, is to spend a few minutes
examining the list of commands, state¬
ments, and functions in your version of
Basic, dividing them into two classes:
early and late. Put the early ones in
some order that seems reasonable for
teaching. The order is really not critical
after the first few commands, but should
follow some rational scheme of teaching
strings, graphics, and arithmetic com¬
mands. The first few commands in the
list should be print, run, list, new,
rem, input, and goto. Group them in
sets of three to five. Each set will be one
lesson.

Don’t start by teaching arithmetic on

the computer. It is deadly dull, even for
children who find arithmetic easy. Wait
until some program requires a little
calculation, then start putting it in.

There is a natural tendency to just
“teach the commands.’’ They are so vis¬
ible. But you must take pains also to
teach the concepts, the control struc¬
tures, and the data types. So identify the
concepts to be taught, and then teach
them actively, not just letting them
trickle down by osmosis.

Look at the list of concepts I gave
above. Fold them into the lessons at a
slow rate. For children under 12, taper
off on the speed with which concepts af¬
ter goto are presented, and “water
down’’ the concepts to boot.

You don’t have to be dogmatic about
the concepts. Just introduce them infor¬
mally, matter-of-factly, and at a mea¬
sured rate.

Interacting With Your Child

How formal should the lessons be?
For you, the teacher, the list of topics is
complete and well ordered. The extent
to which the child does formal lessons
with assignments to learn and exercises
to do is another matter. Suit the format
to the situation in your home.

Your child will need a great deal of
over-the-shoulder help for the first hour
or so. After that, keep in contact,
presenting new ideas and checking the
progress of your student against your list
of topics. This can be done very infor¬
mally, but don’t assume that the child
has covered the ground completely.
Check him out!

The learning process should be child
driven. Whether you prefer to “let the
child play around and discover things”
or want to provide more visible guid¬
ance, there will be no success unless the
child enjoys creating and learning. That
means that the subjects of the programs
and the techniques used must be one
that the child has chosen, either by him¬
self or from a list of suggestions pro¬
vided by you.

All of your success will depend on
keeping programming fun. Several tech¬
niques that help in this involve some
homework on your part.

First, you can show him programs
that you have started and invite the
child to complete, alter, or extend them.
This alleviates much of the drudgery and
focuses attention on new material.

Second, use graphics early and often.
Younger children may want to spend a
lot of time just drawing when first
shown how. This is fine. It develops con¬
fidence and keyboard skills, and allows
you to introduce line editing to the
extent supported by your computer.
Wean the student from pure graphics by
helping him develop moving graphics.

April 1983 ° Creative Computing

173

Teach Them Programming, continued...

Listing 1. Standard Format For Basic Programs.

REM PROGRAM NAME

1 GOTO 2000

2 :

3 REM

4 REM

97 :

98 REM

99 :

100 REM

101

REM

LINES 2 THROUGH 99 ARE FOR "SENSITIVE” SUBROUTINES
THAT ARE USED OFTEN OR DEEPLY NESTED AND MUST RUN FAST.

MAIN LOOP

THE MAIN LOOP CALLS SUBROUTINES AS NEEDED.

110

195

196 END

197

198 REM

199

200 REM

201

202 REM

203 REM

204 :

295 RETURN

299 :

300 REM SECOND SUBROUTINE NAME

301 :

395 RETURN
1000 :

**★★★★★******★************★*★*★*★★★****★★*★*****★★*★

FIRST SUBROUTINE NAME

PUT ORDINARY SUBROUTINES HERE, STARTING EACH WITH
NEW EVEN-HUNDREDS LINE NUMBERS.

REM

1008

1009

1010
1011
1015
1020
1025
1031
1100
1110
1990
1995
2000
2001
2010
2015
2020
2990

2994

2995

2999

3000

3001
3010

9000

9001

9002
9010 REM
9015 REM
9020 REM
9022 REM
9025 REM
9030 REM
9035 REM
9040 REM
9999 :

* PROGRAM NAME *

* *

* AUTHOR, ADDRESS, PHONE *

* *
★★★a************************************************

DESCRIPTION OF THE PROGRAM AND VARIABLES

INITIALIZATION

PUT LINES HERE THAT INITIALIZE AND DIMENSION VARIABLES,
AND GIVE THE INSTRUCTIONS AND THE STARTING MENUS.

JUMP TO THE MAIN LOOP

GOTO 100: REM

REM SUBROUTINES

REM PUT "ONE TIME USE" SUBROUTINES HERE

PUT UTILITY SUBROUTINES HERE. AS YOU WRITE THESE, SAVE
THEM SEPARATELY, AND USE UNIQUE LINE NUMBERS, SO YOU
CAN ALWAYS ADD THEM TO ANY PROGRAM WITHOUT LINE NUMBER
CONFLICT. USE TEXT FILES: SEE "CAPTURE" IN DOS MANUAL.
SAVE ONE LETTER, FOR EXAMPLE Z, TO USE AS
THE FIRST LETTER OF ALL VARIABLES IN THESE ROUTINES.
THIS IS A "FIX" FOR THE LACK OF LOCAL VARIABLES
IN BASIC.

This format should be put on disk or tape and read in before starting a new pro¬
gram. Children can be introduced to this format after considerable experience with
Basic, and when they start writing long programs.

Using a standard format helps you remember which elements will be needed in a
program (initialization, descriptions, standard utility subroutines, main loop, and
subroutines). It saves time in putting in such prompts as the author’s name, ad¬
dress, and phone number in its pretty box. It also helps in adding standard sub¬
routines to your programs by reserving the line numbers where they will go.

Finally, this particular format puts the most used subroutines at the beginning,
which is important in writing fast programs, and puts the initialization part last
where there is lots of room. There is a tendency for initialization routines to expand
as user-friendly items are added after the program first runs satisfactorily.

This surely will lead to full fledged
programming.

Likewise, strings can be great fun,
allowing word play, silliness and mock
insults, and introducing a social aspect
to computing. Print them at odd spots
on the screen, with delays, inverted or
flashing letters, or sliding along under
the direction of a loop. Include whatever
other bells and whistles your computer
supports, such as sound.

Periodically, sit at the computer with
your child and run through your check¬
list of commands and concepts to see
where the holes in his mastery lie. Then
gently guide the child to start filling
them in, whether they be just details of
syntax or command usage, or whether

Strings can be great
fun, allowing word play,
silliness and mock
insults, and introducing
a social aspect to
computing.

they be overall organizational concepts.

A conscientious implementation of
this program will require a great deal of
time and effort. Just remember that the
purpose of a good Basic manual is to do
much of the work for you. It is not that
the author knows Basic better than you
do, but that he has done the preliminary
organization of material and chosen
examples and assignments that the child
may appreciate. This still leaves you
with the responsibility to help and sup¬
port the student, and to check that the
material is being mastered without large
gaps.

So let’s go on and examine some of the
workbooks and programs that are avail¬
able for helping children learn
programming.

Books for Kids

The following list includes some
books for teaching Basic to children.
All are in 8 x 11 format.

Computers for Kids by Sally Green¬
wood Larsen is published by Creative
Computing Press. There are versions for
the TRS-80, Apple, Atari, Vic-20 and
Timex 1000/Sinclair ZX81. It uses large
type and a language style appropriate for
about the third or fourth grade. It treats
25 of the most essential Basic commands
and has a nice section on the use of
graphics. Ms. Larsen includes some
sample programs, help in the mechanics
of keyboard editing and disk drive use,
and useful tips about teaching computer
programming in the classroom. The sec-

174

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

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Teach Them Programming, continued...

tion on making flow charts is delightful.
Seventy-three pages.

Kids And The Apple by Edward H.
Carlson. Modesty prevents me present¬
ing a subjective description of the book.
Intended for use at home by children
aged 10 through 14, it can also be used
in classroom teaching. It has over 200
pages and 100 cartoons and treats about
50 Basic commands. There are 33 les¬
sons. Each is preceded by one page of
Instructor Notes which outlines the con¬
cepts being taught, lists some pitfalls in
the subject, and gives some short quiz
questions to be used when the lesson has
been studied by the student. Each lesson
describes the material in language at
about the fifth or sixth grade level and
has several assignments at the end. For
each assignment there is a solution in the
back of the book. Some of the solutions
were done by children who tried out the
book in manuscript form. Published by
Datamost in 1982, it is spiral bound to
lie flat at the work station.

Teaching Basic Bit By Bit is edited by
Batya Friedman and Twila Slesnick and
published by the Lawrence Hall of Sci¬
ence, University of California. This is a
sparse but imaginative eight-day
curriculum for ages 11 through adult. It
supposes classroom use.

Introduction To Applesoft Basic —
Student Text is published by the Minne¬
sota Educational Computing Con¬
sortium. I have not yet seen this book.

Basic Discoveries by Linda Malone
and Jerry Johnson is published by Cre¬
ative Publications. It has 71 pages and
treats 10 Basic commands. Its explana¬
tions are on the adult level, but its many
exercises and solutions are intended for
children in the fourth grade and above.
One version for all computer makes.

A series of books called Creative
Programming for Young Minds by

Henry A. Taitt, published by Creative
Programming, Inc. has versions for sev¬
eral different computers and several lev¬
els of ability.

I Speak Basic To My Apple by Aubrey
B. Jones is published by Hayden Book
Company. A classroom set, containing a
teacher’s manual, 20 copies of the text
book, and masters for 14 quizzes is avail¬
able. The text was developed in a middle
school program for encouraging stu¬
dents to prepare for an engineering ca¬
reer. It has about 240 pages and a
distinctive page format. Each page is
devoted to one topic, even if it means
that the page may be mostly empty.
Large, bold, easy-to-read type allows
concentration on the material.

Programs That Help

These programs do not teach Basic
but help children learn programming in
various other ways.

Helter Skelter by Dynacomp Inc. The
Apple version is available and other ver¬
sions are in preparation. This is a lively
program in color and sound that kids
from toddler to second grade will enjoy.
It not only arouses their interest in the
computer and entertains them, but helps
them learn pre-school material with Ses¬
ame Street type antics.

Antfarm by Jacques LaFrance, pub¬
lished by WIMS Computer Consulting.
This system helps children write little
programs to control an ant farm in a
special tiny language. The ants move,
plant, and eat. The ants may starve if
they do not find food, but finding food is
easy to arrange if you think ahead. The
plants need some time to grow from
seeds through several stages to harvest
size. The graphics, which are punctua¬
tion marks rather than lo or hi resolu¬
tion figures are in black and white, and
rather slow.

A turtle graphics system has a “tur¬
tle” (a cursor shaped like a triangle) that
moves and turns upon command and
can draw a line as it travels. It is a means
of creating line pictures under control of
simple commands. It is most valuable
when a program can be written to con¬
trol the turtle. The Logo language avail¬
able for the Apple and the Texas In¬
struments computers has a turtle system
built in. Apple Pascal also has a set of
turtle commands, and programs can be
written in Basic for making turtles. One
such for the Apple was written by David
Krathwohl and published in Nibble Vol.
3, No.l. It is available from Nibble on
disk. Another, by A1 Evans, appeared in
the July, 1982 issue of Creative Comput¬
ing. There are turtle graphics available
now with the Atari Pilot cartridge.

The advantage of a turtle is that the
child can easily control a visible object
and thereby learn the essential features
of programming: that procedures are a
sequence of steps, that debugging is a
necessary and natural part of creativity,
and that branching and loops are power¬
ful tools.

Robotwar is a program published by
Muse Software, Inc. for the Apple. It,
too, requires one to write programs
which control a robot in a battle in a
special tiny language. However, the sys¬
tem is rather complex, involving an
operating system, a compiler for the lan¬
guage, a test bench for trying your pro¬
grams and finally, a battle with a set of
robots selected from an arsenal. How¬
ever, the idea can be very captivating for
kids in the 12 and above age range and
may be just the motivation they need to
learn programming.

The cartoons in this article were
drawn by Paul Trap and are from the
book Kids And The Apple. They are
copyright Datamost. □

Bit Pit

Chas Andres

176

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

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PRM-43082 with FREE tractor _ CALL

Microline 83A 132/232 column, 120 CPS, forms up to 15"
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IOP-2100A Apple card and cable
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ULTRA-VIOLET EPROM ERASERS

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LETTER QUALITY PRINTER - COMREX

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PRA-11000 Tractor Option _$119.95

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Computer Products

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2 MEGABYTES for Apple II

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S-100

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memory BOM 2L

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MEM-56152K 56K kit _$289.95

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Assembled & Tested_add $50.00

256 RAMDISK - SD Systems

ExpandoRAM III expandable from 64K to 256K using 64KX1
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MEM-65064A 64 K A & T _

THE BUS PROBE - Jade

Inexpensive S-100 Diagnostic Analyzer

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Whether you're a hobbyist with a cantankerous kluge or s
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$474.95
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TSX-200K Kit

TSX-200A A A T

129.9S

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2 serial I/O ports plus 2 parallel I/O ports.
IOI-1010B Bare board w/manual

$35.95

101-101 OK Kit with Manual

$179.95

IOI-1010A A & T

$249.95

1/0-5 - SSM Microcomputer

Two serial & 3 parallel I/O ports, 110-19.2K Baud

IOI-1015A A & T ^ $289.9!

INTERFACER 4 - CompuPro

3 serial, 1 parallel, 1 Centronics parallel.

IOI-1840A A A T

$314.9!

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PLACEORDERSTOLLFREE

For Technical Inquires

Continental U.S. Inside California or Customer Service call:

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We accept cash, checks, credit cards, or Purchase Orders from qualified firms and institutions.

Minimum prepaid order $15.00 California residents add 6y 2 % tax. Export customers outside the US or Canada please
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via UPS Ground 50C/lb. UPS Air $1.00/lb minimum charge $3.00

5-100

QPjj boards

MODEMS

SBC-200 - SD Systems

4 MHz Z-BOA CPU with serial & parallel I/O, IK RAM, 8K
ROM space, monitor PROM included.

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THE BIG Z - Jade

2 or 4 MHz switchable Z-80 CPU board with serial I/O,
accomodates 2708, 2716, or 2732 EPROM, baud rates from
75 to 9600.

CPU-30201 B Bare board w/manual -$35.00

CPU-30201 K Kit with Manual -$149.95

CPU-30201 A A & T with Manual _$199.95

2810 Z-80 CPU - C.C.S.

2 or 4 MHz Z-80 CPU with serial I/O port & on board monitor
PROM, front panel compatible.

CPU-30400A A & T with PROM _$289.95

CPU-Z - CompuPro

2/4 MHz Z80A CPU, 24 bit addressing.

CPU-30500A 2/4 MHz A & T _$279.95

CPU-30500C 3/6 MHz CSC -$374.95

SMART BUY in MODEMS - Signalman

7200 and/or 300 baud, direct connect, automatic answer or
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_ $369.95

_$269.95

_ $119.95

_$99.95

IOM-5620A 1200/300 baud Deluxe .
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. $169.95

8085/8088 - CompuPro

Both 8 & 16 bit CPUs, standard 8 bit S-100 bus, up to 8 MHz,
accesses 16 Megabytes of memory.

CPU-2051 OA 6 MHz A & T _$398.95

CPU-20510C 6/8 MHz CSC _$497.95

IOM-2012A Terminal program for MMII
IOM-1100A Micromodem 100.

$89.95
. $368.95

Siemens FDD 100-8 single-sided double-density
ASF-201120 _ $274.95 ea 2 for $249.95 ea

Shugart SA810 half-size single-sided double-density

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r andon TM848-1 single sided double-den thin-line

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’andon TM848-2 double-sided double-den thin-line

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)ume DT-8 double-sided double-density

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IOM-5251A 7200 baud 212/103 Smart Cat
IOM-5261A 300 baud 103 J-Cat -

J-CAT™ MODEM - Novation

7/5 the size of ordinary modems, Bell 103, manual or
auto-answer, automatic answer/originate, direct conect,
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IOM-5261A Novation _$149.95

disk controllers

DISK 1 - CompuPro

8" or 5%" DMA disk controller, single or double density,
single or double sided, 10 MHz.

IOD-1810A A & T _$449.95

IOD-1810C CSC _$554.95

VERSAFLOPPY II - SD Systems

Double density disk controller for any combination of 5%"
and 8" single or double sided, analog phase-locked loop
data separator, vectored interrupts, CP/M 2.2 & Oasis
compatible, control/diagnostic software PROM included.

IOD-1160A A & T with PROM _$359.95

SFC-55009047F CP/M 3.0 with VF II _$99.95

2242 DISK CONTROLLER - C.C.S.

5y 4 " or 8" double density disk controller with on-board boot
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IOO-1300A A & T with CP/M 2.2 -$399.95

DOUBLE D - Jade

High reliablity double density disk controller with on-board
Z-80 A, auxiliary printer port, IEEE S-100, can function in
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IOD-1200B Bare board & hdwr man -$59.95

IOD-1200K Kit w/hdwr & sftwr man -$299.95

IOD-1200A A & T w/hdwr & sftwr man _
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. $325.95
_ $99.95

1200 BAUD SMARTMODEM - Hayes

7200 and 300 baud, all the features of the standard
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IOM-5500A Smartmodem 1200 _$599.95

SMARTMODEM - Hayes

Sophisticated direct-connect auto-answer/auto-dial
modem, touch-tone or pulse dialing, RS-232C interface,
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IOM-5400A Smartmodem _$224.95

IOK-1500A Hayes Chronograph _$218.95

IOM-2010A Micromodem II w/Term prgm _$329.95

1200 BAUD SMART CAT - Novaton

103/212 Smart Cat & 103 Smart Cat, 1200 & 300 baud, built-in
dialer, auto re-dial if busy, auto answer/disconnect, direct
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IOM-5241A 300 baud 103 Smart Cat _$229.95

. $549.95
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'cP/M PI us jm

CP/M 3.0 is Digital Research's latest version of the industry
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SFC-55009057M CP/M 3.0 Manual _$30.00

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Computer Products

4901 West Rosecrans, Hawthorne, California 90250

CIRCLE 197 ONJREADER SERVICE CARD

Learning To Learn
By Learning
To Play

Computer games have been used for
many purposes. They have been used to
entertain, to teach students traditional
school subjects like arithmetic and spell¬
ing, and to help students become
comfortable with computers. In a course
recently given by one of us (Marc) at
Boston College, computer games were
used to teach students something they
are seldom taught in courses: how to
learn. We thought that by teaching stu¬
dents how to learn instead of teaching
them what to learn, we might be able to
help them get more out of school.

We hoped that by asking them to
think about how they were learning (or
failing to learn) in the rather simple rule-
governed environment that games pro¬
vide, we might help them to discover
better strategies for learning. In other
words, we hoped to help them to learn
how to learn.

But, since we were fairly sure that
they would think that they had only
learned to play games, we then asked
them to apply what they had learned by
playing to the job of learning something
more “serious”—namely computer
programming. And we hoped that they
would then realize that the ideas that
they had gotten from learning to play
could be used in their other courses too.
We know that some of them got the
point.

The course has been given several
times to several different types of stu¬
dents. Last summer, for example, it was
given to 40 “high-risk” freshmen who
had been admitted to Boston College in
spite of relatively weak academic
records. Although most of these stu-

Professor Peter Kugel, Chairman, Computer Science
Dept., Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA 02167.

Marc D. Stowbridge
and

Peter Kugel

dents had not learned what most stu¬
dents have learned before they go to
college, they appeared to have the
underlying ability to learn those things.
During the summer, other efforts were
being made to teach them the things that

180

they had missed in traditional “re¬
medial” classes. But we felt that it was at
least possible that some of these students
simply did not know how to learn in a
classroom situation. We felt that if they
could learn to learn they might be better
able to learn, not only the things that
they had missed, but also the new things
that would be presented in their college
courses.

Computer games have some advan¬
tages over traditional games for teaching

April 1983 ° Creative Computing

SATELLITE

SOFTWARE

INTERNATIONAL

SOB WEST CENTER
□ HEM, UTAH 84057
[801)234-8554 (BOO] 38 1-5906 TELEX 453-168

CIRCLE 251 ON READER SERVICE CARD

rocessor
hould be an t

xtension of
our mind.

A good word processor should feel
comfortable, and let you put your thoughts
down quickly, almost effortlessly. It should
have automatic everything, and include
footnotes, merge, columns and math. The
screen should be uncluttered and give you an
honest view of your text without annoying
^ codes.

^ WordPerfect does all this and

has proven itself at places
' like Harvard, RCA, State Farm, and
Texaco. The software is well
documented, is guaranteed, and is
available for immediate delivery. For
more information write or call

Available for IBM Personal Computer
nd Data General ComDUtera.

"TPs Home Computer.
This is die one?

A lot of computers offer a lot. Only one
in its price range offers the most. The TI
Home Computer.

Better to begin with. Anyone can start
right away with our Solid State Software™
Command Cartridges. Dozens of programs
are available in home management, educa-
tion and entertainment.

Easy to expand. Our Peripheral Hxpan-
sion System gives you plug-in cards for
memory expansion, P-Code capabilities, a
disk drive controller and the RS232 Inter-
face. You can also add a modem, speech

synthesizer, disk drive and 80 column dot
matrix printer.

Programming flexibility. TI BASIC is
built into the Home Computer But it can
also handle TI Extended BASIC, UCSD
Pascal* Version IV.0, TI LOGO II, TMS
9900 Assembly Language and 71 PILOT.
Programs can be stored in the optional
Mini Memory Command Cartridge.

High-Tech specs. 16-bit microprocessor,
16K bytes RAM (expandable to 52K).

26K bytes internal ROM, up to 30K bytes
external ROM. 3 simultaneous tones from

110 HZ to 40,000 HZ. High resolution video.
U.&d.c. Single line overlay for 2nd function.
Control & function keys. 16 color graphics
with 4 modes & sprites.

Sound impressive? Compare a TI Home
Computer with the competition and really
be impressed. You won’t even
need a computer to tell you this
is the one. _ . ,

Texas

Instruments

*UCSD Pascal is a trademark of the Regents of the University of California

CIRCLE 295 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Learning to Learn, continued...

purposes. One is that they can be played
in such a way that each player has com¬
plete control over the game. The com¬
puter always follows the same program
and there are no other people involved
who can “take over” the work. Another
merit of computer games is that the
computer is very strict (but very im¬
personal and non-threatening) in follow¬
ing the rules. And finally, the computer
will play tirelessly, thus freeing the
teacher from having to run (or even to
play) the games.

Adapting the course to other situa¬
tions should be easy. The underlying
ideas seem to us to be adaptable to other
student levels, other computers, other
schools, and other teachers whose ideas
about what constitutes good learning
procedures may be different from ours.
Much of the students' work was with
computers which allowed quick correc¬
tion of student errors without requiring
a large amount of grading on the part of
the teacher. Many of the programs re¬
quired for the course already exist; good
games are available for most computers.

The course was based on four fun¬
damental ideas:

1. Students can improve their ability
to learn by thinking about what
they are doing when they try to
learn and by discussing what they
do with others.

2. Such thinking and talking about
learning is best done while the stu¬
dents are actually trying to learn
some particular thing, rather than
through abstract discussions or lec¬
tures about general principles.

3. The process of learning to play (and
win) computer games provides an
excellent sample learning process
for this purpose for several reasons:

• Games involve quite precise rules
that—particularly in computer
games—cannot be easily violated.

• Students are much more relaxed
about learning to play games than
they are about learning traditional
school subjects.

• Students like games and readily
accept the value of learning to
play and learning to win. (Many
students do not readily accept the
value of traditional school
subjects.)

4. What students learn about learning
by learning to play can be trans¬
ferred to the process of learning
other things if one pays attention to
the transfer process and does not
assume that it will happen
automatically.

Not Knowing How To Learn

Some students seem to know what to
do in school and some do not. One can
argue that the differences between those

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

who do well in school and those who do
not are innate and hence unchangeable.
To some degree, this is almost certainly
true but we feel that it may not be quite
as true as some people think it is.

Suppose that you believed (as we do)
that learning is something that the
learner does , that a learner is not just a
passive sponge who sits in one place and
absorbs information. Successful learning
would then depend, at least in part, on
doing the right things.

Virtually every human being seems to
be born “knowing" how to learn certain
things. Everyone learns to recognize his
mother, to nurse properly, to walk, and
to talk. Such learning is accomplished
with little visible effort on the part of the
learner. We seem to be born with built-
in “programs" that we follow to learn
these things.

The ability to learn in school, how¬
ever, seems rather less evenly distributed
among us. Some children enter school
seeming to know what to do. Others
don’t.

Some students seem to
know what to do in
school and some do
not.

The ability to learn in school might be
innate, but suppose it is not. Suppose it
must be learned. Imagine, now, that you
are arriving on your first day of school
without having learned it. If you are one
of those people to whom school learning
came naturally (and chances are that
you are) this may be hard for you to do.
But try. Here you are. The teacher does
something. You do something in re¬
sponse but it is the wrong thing. (You
haven’t learned the right thing to do,
remember?)

You start out enthusiastic and work
hard. Your teacher notices that you still
aren’t learning. Perhaps you need to be
taught more slowly. That doesn’t work.
Your teacher concludes you lack ability.
You get discouraged. Nothing you do
works, so you decide you don’t like
school. That continues for years without
anybody realizing that all that is
“wrong" with you is that you don’t
know how to learn in school.

Why doesn’t somebody teach you?
One reason might be that nobody knows
what the problem is. But there are other
reasons. One is that many people don’t
believe that learning can be taught. An¬
other is that even if you believe that
learning can be taught, it is not obvious
how to teach it. After all, you want to

183

teach it to people who don’t know how
to learn reading, writing and arithmetic.
So how are they going to learn learning?

Here’s an idea. Suppose that you try
to let people learn to learn the same way
they learned to speak their native lan¬
guage. You simply plunk them into a
learning situation simple enough for
them to handle and let them learn. For
this to work, you need to pick something
that people have an innate ability to
learn. How about playing games? Chil¬
dren (and adults) seem to have a built-in
ability to learn to play games.

You could, of course, teach games the
way you teach languages in school, and
students would probably have the same
difficulties. A wag once suggested that if
you really wanted to kill baseball in
America, all that you would have to do
would be to teach baseball in school. But
that is not what we did with games in
our course. We gave students a few hints
and some written instructions and let
them figure out how to play on their
own.

Learning To Play

In each session, students were told a
bit about a game, and sent off to play.
They were asked to:

• Learn to play legally—learn the
rules.

• Learn to win—develop good
strategies.

While they were at the computer, they
were asked to take notes about what was
happening and to keep the printout.
Then, when they came back to the next
meeting, the class discussed what did
and did not work.

Some of the game programs we used
were taken from David Ahl’s book Basic
Computer Games, and some were writ¬
ten especially for this course. The games
chosen presented the students with prob¬
lems of increasing difficulty so that their
learning would be cumulative.

Students were guided through the
course by a control program that per¬
formed various functions:

• It presented step-by-step instruc¬
tions to the students, calling them
by name (a feature that those of us
who are familiar with computers
tend to minimize but that is surpris¬
ingly important to the students).

• It sequenced the students through
the material, keeping track of where
a given student was and indicating
to him where to go next.

• It provided the instructor with
information about each student’s
status and progress.

• It kept the students away from the
other resources of the computer.

The Curriculum

On the first day of class, students were

Learning to Learn, continued...

given instructions for logging in (we
used a time-shared PDP 11/70) and for
running the control program called LTL
(for Learning to-Learn) 1 .

The students took this material to the
computer and tried (on the whole,
successfully) to log on and off without
help. If they ran into trouble and asked
for help, it was given—sparingly.

They were asked to keep their print¬
out and to keep detailed diaries of what
happened. A typical entry in a student
diary looked like this:

“The computer typed WHAT IS
YOUR L.T.L. NUMBER? I looked at
my instruction sheet and typed 501. I
waited for a while.

The computer did not do anything. Then
I remembered to type RETURN.”

We asked the students to record not
only their successes but also their mis¬
takes. Most computer programmers rec¬
ognize the value of making mistakes and
learning from them. But surprisingly few
students do. A great deal of elementary
education seems aimed at disguising the
value of making mistakes and correcting
them. We emphasized it.

We felt that, if the students wrote
down what they were doing and talked
about it, they could not avoid thinking
about it. Thinking about learning (like
thinking about anything) gives you the
opportunity to change the way you do it.
That, supposedly, is one of the reasons
for teaching philosophy and also the
basis for many kinds of psychotherapy.
Our feeling was that at least some of the
students might have gotten trapped into
unproductive learning behavior. Think¬
ing about what they were doing gave
them the chance to at least consider
changing it when it did not work.

We also hoped to get them to “think
about their own thinking.” Our hope
was that if they could think about their
own thinking, it might occur to them to
change it to adapt it to circumstances. A
common problem in students is that,
once they hit upon a successful way of
working, they use it for everything. (As
Abe Maslow once said “To the person
who has only a hammer, the whole
world looks like a nail.”) We hoped to
make them more flexible.

Guessing Numbers

At the end of the first class—in which
we discussed both how they actually did
log on and how they learned to log
on—they were told to go back to the
computer and play their first real game,
NGuess, a simple and familiar game in

1 The course was run under the auspices
of the Learning to Learn program at
Boston College, directed by Marcia
Heiman and Dan Woods.

which the computer picks a number
between 1 and 100 and the player tries to
guess it in 7 guesses or less.

The students were told to learn to
play correctly, which is relatively easy
but still raised problems for some. And
they were told to find a good strategy.

Some students did not even try to play
rationally. (They guessed the same num¬
ber twice.) Others looked for, and found,
an optimal strategy.

The program they used was more fail¬
safe than most. Errors (such as O for 0)
were trapped, and the student was given
a chance to recover. Error comments
were as clear as possible. Care here
seems important if for no other reason

A great deal of
elementary education
seems aimed at
disguising the value of
making mistakes and
correcting them.

than to raise student ambitions by mak¬
ing it possible for them to solve the
problems.

The second class meeting, during
which they discussed their play of
NGuess, set the pattern for the rest of
the course. As problems were raised,
they were written on the blackboard and
an attempt was made to categorize the

problems so that they could be dealt
with individually. Problems that arose
fell into four categories:

• Problems arising from a failure to
remember what had been learned in
the first session (on how to use the
computer).

• Problems arising from difficulties in
understanding the instructions for
playing the game.

• Problems in following the rules,
once one has figured out what they
are.

• Problems arising from finding a
good (or best) strategy.

No attempt was made to try to sell
one approach to problems over another.
It is our feeling that some students resist
learning in school because they feel it
violates their personal integrity to do
what the teacher tells them to do. They
feel they are giving in. Such students do
better when allowed to use their own
strategies. Furthermore, students under¬
stand better things they have framed in
terms of their own intuitions than what
has been framed in the intuitions of
others.

One of the great merits of using com¬
puter games in this situation is that the
computer will reward any approach that
works. It need not be the approach that
the programmer of the teacher had in
mind when the game was presented.
And this gives the student a feeling of
confidence in himself.

Most students who found the optimal
strategy for NGuess did so by thinking
of the numbers arranged on a line and
then thinking of their guesses as cutting

184

April 1983 ° Creative Computing

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CIRCLE 227 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Learning to Learn, continued...

the search area in half each time. This
was interpreted to the class as an exam¬
ple of the value of trying to think of
problems in terms of spatial images, of
trying to look at problems in different
ways while looking for solutions, and of
using metaphors to better conceptualize
(and remember) problems.

Many of the students in this course
seemed to lack flexibility in their ap¬
proach to problems. They would try one
way to solve the problem and it would
never occur to them to consider a dif¬
ferent one. They would consider only
two possibilities—either they had not
worked hard enough on their one ap¬
proach or it would not work and thus
there was no possible solution to the
problem.

The Other Games

After NGuess came a game called
Flipflop. In this game, the player tries to
turn a row of X’s into O’s by indicating
which symbol in (say) a five-symbol row,
is to be “flipped” (from O to X or X to
O). The difficulty comes from the fact
that, when a particular symbol is
flipped, others may be flipped along with
it. For example, if the student has
reached OOXOO and tells the computer
to flip the third symbol, the computer
will flip the third symbol, but it might
also flip the fifth as well, producing
OOOOX. In this round of the game, the
computer will always flip the fifth when
told to flip the third. But it may do
something quite different when asked to
flip the fifth and it may do something
else in the next round of the game.

There are several different strategies
that can be used to win this game, but
they all require a systematic recording of
observations and testing (and extrapolat¬
ing) alternative strategies. Other games
used in the course (in order of appear¬
ance after Flipflop) were:

Blackjack, the familiar card game,
also known as 21.

Word, in which players try to guess a
five-letter word selected by the computer
by guessing its letters one at a time. The
computer tells them whether the letter
guessed appears in the word and, if it
appears, where it appears.

Mastermind, in which players try to
break a code.

Star Trek, a popular computer game
with relatively complex instructions and
strategies.

Each game presented its own prob¬
lems. Blackjack had instructions that
were difficult to figure out—ordinarily
an undesirable feature in a computer
game—that gave the students a chance
to figure out what to do when they could
not understand what they read.

Mastermind suggested the idea that

theories might be things that one could
test by varying parameters one at a time
so that, when something turned out not
to work out, one knew what it was that
was not working.

Star Trek was the most complex game
of the group. Its instructions alone
require four pages to print out. Good
strategies for playing are rather com¬
plex, and this is a good game to teach
the concept of “divide and
conquer”—breaking problems into parts
before trying to solve them. It was also a
good place to point out that it does not
always pay to discard a strategy simply
because it does not work the first time.
Before totally discarding an approach it
sometimes pays to try to first improve
(or debug) the approach to see if it can
be saved.

A General Recipe

Toward the end of the game playing
part of the course, an attempt was made
to formulate a general strategy for solv¬
ing learning problems as they arose. The
hope was that, by providing a recipe to
follow, one might be able to help the stu-

The idea of a
“triggering” feeling
that tells you when you
can use the ideas
learned is very
important.

dent’s transfer strategies, learned from
learning to play, to new areas. The pur¬
pose of a recipe (or a paradigm) like this
one is to help the students’ transfer strat¬
egies, learned from learning to play, to
new areas. The purpose of a recipe (or a
paradigm) like this one is to help a stu¬
dent figure out what to do next in new
situations. It was suggested that thinking
about what you do was appropriate
whenever you faced a situation in which
you wondered: “What do I do now?”
We decided that you might do the
following 3 things:

• Look around and see what you can
find out about the situation. Gather
all the information you can—from
notes, from the instructor, from
friends, and so forth. Then compare
the situation you are in to others like
it (possibly to situations that arose
when you were learning to play
computer games in this course) and
try to see what you already know
about this situation because it
resembles others you have
encountered.

186

• List your options. What exactly can
you do? It pays to list the possibil¬
ities before you try them out. That
way you are likely to come up with
more alternatives.

• Try out each option in turn. If nec¬
essary, try it out “in your head” or
on a piece of paper first. If a particu¬
lar method does not work, try
changing it slightly (debugging it)
by thinking about why it might not
be working. If it continues not to
work try something else.

Most of this recipe is simple common
sense—except that its use is really nei¬
ther simple nor common.

We feel that a particularly important
feature of this recipe is that it always
starts in the same situation: you are
wondering what to do next. The time to
think about your thinking is always in¬
dicated by the same feeling—the feeling
that you don’t know what to do next.
This can happen in a variety of circum¬
stances, but it always feels the same, and
hence, is easy to recognize.

When you do recognize it, you have
two things to fall back on. One is your
recipe and the other is your memories of
specific things that worked for you (they
may not be right for others) when you
learned to play computer games. We feel
that in a course like this, the idea of a
“triggering” feeling that tells you when
you can use the ideas learned, is very im¬
portant if you want the ideas to transfer
to other courses.

Learning To Do “Useful” Things

Our aim in having students play
games was not to make Pac-Man ex¬
perts. We were trying to make students
better at learning things other than
games. We wanted them to take what
they learned from learning to play and
apply it to their regular courses. The
process by which one takes something
learned in one area or course and uses it
in another, different, area or course, is
called “transfer.”

It used to be widely felt that learning
something like Latin or logic was good
for students because it strengthened
their minds and would help them in
studying other subjects. But the mind is
not exactly like the muscle that this
analogy suggests. Learning to lift
dumbells may help you learn to lift
packing crates but learning to play
games need not help you learn to solve
calculus problems.

If you want transfer to occur, it helps
to practice the actual process of transfer¬
ring what you have learned by playing to
something else. For this purpose, we
spent the latter part of the course teach¬
ing students how to program computers.
Programming is similar enough to game

April 1983 ° Creative Computing

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CIRCLE 262 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Learning to Learn, continued...

playing (and they both use the com¬
puter) that the transfer is fairly natural.

We have noticed that students today
are relatively poor at using what they
have learned in one class in another. One
reason may be that they do not have
much practice in such transfer. And one
reason why they may not have much
practice it that, because of the
fragmentation of the modern curricu¬
lum, teachers cannot usually assume
that their students share any skill that
can be transferred.

This was different when Latin and
logic were in their heyday. Everyone
took them both, so teachers could regu¬
larly allude to them, thus giving their
students practice with transfer. But this
is no longer possible, which may be why
Latin and logic no longer seem to work
as well as they used to.

By including a bit of learning to pro¬
gram in this course, we could give the
students practice with the transfer pro¬
cess because we could assume some
things in the students’ backgrounds that
they shared (the material of the first

part) and the transfer of which could be
discussed.

The transfer seemed to work—at least
when it was thus guided. The students
did seem to learn programming more
easily and more imaginatively than one
would ordinarily expect from similar
students.

We do not know whether the ideas
learned by playing games also tranferred
to their other courses. But we have some
fragmentary evidence that suggests that,
at least in some cases, it did.

We are aware that it is easy to be
fooled into believing in the success of
one’s own teaching methods. We do not
think we were fooled but we cannot be
sure.

However, the course was short. The
effort was relatively small. The possible
rewards are considerable. The course
can be tailored to fit into virtually any
curriculum. We feel that others might
want to try this course with their own
students. For such people, it may be
helpful to summarize some of the main
assumptions of the course as we see
them and to list some of the things that
someone who is trying to adapt this
course to other situations might keep in
mind:

• We assume that there is such a thing
as learning to learn.

• Students who have learned to learn
will do better in school than those
who have not.

• Some students (but almost certainly
not all) can learn how to learn by
learning how to play computer
games.

• In doing this, students should also
learn to think about what they are
doing as they learn. This will make
them more flexible and it will
enhance their ability to apply what
they learn from learning to play to
learning to do other, more useful,
things.

• Such transfer is helped by giving
them an explicit algorithm or recipe
to use when they find that they do
not know what to do next in a learn¬
ing situation.

• And it is further helped by giving
the students some practice in using
what they have learned from playing
in some other area.

Many students—perhaps most—do
not do as well in school as they might.
They are not as open to learning new
things as they might be. This fact is
discouraging to many people. We know
that we have not discovered a cure for
this situation that will work for all peo¬
ple in all situations. But for people who
see this as a problem and wonder what
they can do next, learning to learn by
learning to play offers one possible
answer. □

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188

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

SOFTWARE

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CIRCLE 289 ON READER SERVICE CARD

CEGOLLL

A New Kind of Language Learning

For now all you need know about the
acronym CEGOLLE is that it is pro¬
nounced “Seagull” and defines a
direction.

The need to define a direction came
with the requirement to determine how
to use computers in teaching foreign lan¬
guages at the Air Force Academy. When
the job landed on my desk, I was already
overextended, as usual, fighting alli¬
gators instead of draining the swamp,
putting out brush fires and in general
applying all the principles of classical
crisis management.

But with this job, instead of getting
right to work I thought it over for a cou¬
ple of minutes. The rest of this article
describes my conclusions. I have tried to
be brief and not altogether boring in
their formulation. If you ever have to
make a decision related to using comput¬
ers in education, maybe they will save
you some of that most precious of all
resources—your own time.

Major A. Allen Rowe, 431 Lewis Rd., Presidio of
Monterey, CA 93940.

A. Allen Rowe

A Case Against Computer
Assisted Instruction

Computers compute quite well but
they haven’t met with much success in
computer assisted instruction (CAI).
The great tide of CAI enthusiasm, which
crested in the early seventies, has sub¬
sided, leaving a few puddles of devotees
scattered about. But the computer has
not rewoven the fabric of education at
any level nor in any field except, of
course, in the teaching of computing.

But now, emboldened by the advent of
cheaper, smaller machines, the computer
faithful are orchestrating a CAI revival.
Younger educators are flocking to hop
on the wagon, committing with religious
zeal considerable personal resources to
the purchase and use of the most treach¬
erous of all computers, the micro.

It is time for those of us who remem¬
ber the first CAI fiasco to throw our full
weight of experience and seniority into
the defense of our unsuspecting junior
colleagues who, like ourselves before, are
ready to waste a good portion of their
young lives and possibly gamble away
their academic credibility on this CAI
renaissance.

The weakest word in CAI is instruc¬
tion. Instruction is teacher oriented and
almost always institutional. But the
microcomputer is not an institutional
machine controlled by the educational
computing oligarchy. It is democratic. It
is subversive; it is already outflanking
the old computer barons who made us
feel like idiots because we didn’t speak
their arcane languages. It is the Model T
of its time. You don’t have to ride on
somebody’s train. You can get there on
your own. In education, this means that
the microcomputer will be a student-
centered tool. Administrators may buy
them for teachers to use, but, for a
change, students will have a choice. If
they are not learning on the instructors’

190

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

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Cegolle, continued...

machines, they can use their own. So
scratch out instruction and put in
learning .

Assisted is another weak word. A
craftsman has a large choice of tools but
chooses only those which enhance his
skill. He does not use a sledge hammer
to drive a finishing nail nor a penknife to
cut timbers. If a tool does not help us do
more with less faster and better, then it
is not the right tool to use.

The computer is probably the most
powerful tool ever developed, because it
can be used to control numerous other
tools. That doesn’t mean it is always the
best tool or that everything can be done
better by machine. If the machine
enhances the learning experience, use it.

The key is to make
learning more fun than
work.

Never use it just for the sake of using a
powerful tool. So scratch out assisted
and write in enchanced.

Now we have a new acronym:
CEL—Computer Enhanced Learning.
Let’s share it with our younger col¬
leagues and together find out if CEL
really holds more promise than CAL
But how do we handle the fact that for
many of our learners, computers are
inseparably related in their minds to all
the computer video games with which
they have grown up?

Kung Fu in the Classroom

In the West, the goal of the martial
arts and of most applications of violence
in general is to use one’s own power to
overcome the adversary and force him to
do what you want. Even though we
educators may have an occasional skir¬
mish with administrators, our primary
adversary is the student. He is the one
we must coerce into learning what we
teach. In typical western fashion, we em¬
ploy all our skill, power, intelligence,
and experience in the confrontation and
sometimes win. In contrast, an Oriental
warrior in the Kung Fu tradition will
win by taking advantage of his ad¬
versary’s strengths. We might win more
often in education and with less strain
on ourselves if we capitalized on our stu¬
dents’ own strong points. One strength
which almost all students, even poor
ones, have in common is the desire to
have fun: they are motivated, inventive,
and even industrious when it comes to
having a good time. They have no trou¬
ble distinguishing between what is fun
and what is boring.

This skill greatly complicates our task,
because Sesame Street, 3-2-1 Contact, et
al. are tough acts to follow. Going from
them to our classrooms is usually as
enriching as switching from a stereo
sound, full color extravaganza to an
album of old daguerreotypes.

Of course, there are still students who
would choose to read a book over watch¬
ing TV or going to the movies. But they
are probably a minority in most of our
schools today. So if we structured our
learning experiences to be full of sight,
sound, motion, and maybe even touch
and smell as well as essential content, we
might not have to struggle quite so
much. Rather we could let the majority
of our young opponents pursue their
hedonistic tendencies even at the risk of
becoming educated.

The key here is to make learning more
fun than work. Of course, a visitor from
space would be unable to distinguish
through observation between work and
play in our society because, as important
as the sensorial trappings of an activity
may be, the essential difference is inside
the mind. Some people fish for a living.
Some people fish for fun. And there is
very little overlap between the two
groups.

Fun is something you do because you
like doing it. Work is something you do
for some other reason. Usually the
external reward is the villain. As soon as
somebody offers to buy those fish you
have been catching and turning loose,
the fun dynamic is in danger. And if that
somebody tells you that from now on if
you don’t catch any fish you will be in
big trouble; you immediately learn what
it’s like to be a working fisherman.

Now the nature of education in our
society with all its external rewards and
penalties ensures that our children
become working students as soon as they
enter the system, maybe even in kinder¬
garten. By the time the survivors strag¬
gle into our universities, they have
become accustomed to education that is
not very interesting and often a little
painful.

It shouldn’t really be too hard to
make our courses more fun than they
have been before. Then maybe we could
trick students into learning our subjects
just as Big Bird conned them into learn¬
ing numbers and the alphabet.

But Education is Serious Business

Of course, one can object to Sesame
Street. After all, fun is frivolous, educa¬
tion is serious, and never the twain shall
meet—or in any case should meet. The
conflict here though is more apparent
than real, and a small dose of dialectic
will point the way to the synthesis we
need. Education is serious because it is
structured and must be structured: you

just can’t learn calculus before you know
addition and subtraction. So is there
such a thing as structured fun? Of
course, it is called a game. Our goal is to
optimize the learning experience by
making it intrinsically rewarding—fun.
So the game becomes a likely tool.

Now you can decipher our not
altogether whimsical acronym,
CEGOLLE, for Computer Enhanced
Game Optimized Language Learning
Experience. But what sort of games do
we want to play?

Learning to Ski

Some people teach language for the
sake of language: “French is such a
beautiful language.” Our goal is lan¬
guage for two-way communication. This
means listening and speaking, reading
and writing.

The written language is not a separate
reality independent of the spoken lan¬
guage, and for our students, language is
both spoken and written, even though
most speak more fluently than they
write, mainly because they use their
mouths more than they use their pens.
The message for foreign language learn¬
ing is clear. Learning is doing and vice
versa. This is because language is a skill,

Maybe we could trick
our students into
learning our subjects
just as Big Bird conned
them into learning
numbers and the
alphabet.

not just a body of knowledge. You can
read for weeks* about skiing and memo¬
rize all the rules, but you don’t really
start learning how to ski until you strap
on the skis and head down a snowy
slope.

So we want games that involve the
student in doing the language in both the
spoken and written dimensions. But
before defining some specific game
possibilities, I would like to deal with a
few pitfalls.

R2D2: Polyglot Pedagogue?

I really wouldn’t mind replacing for¬
eign language educators, myself
excluded, with machines. I have had a
great deal of experience with both and
have found the latter more reliable,
consistent, and much less expensive.
However, there is very little hope, or
danger, as the case may be, of this

192

April 1983 ° Creative Computing

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Cegolle, continued...

happening in our lifetime. The main rea¬
son being the nature of language.

To learn to communicate, you must
communicate, and it will be a good while
before machines acquire human level
competence in communication. Anyone
who objects to the use of computers for
fear they could replace him may well be
right, but this is only a smoke screen.
For better or worse, it won’t happen
soon. The real basis for objection lies
elsewhere.

Fuzzy Studies

and the Lab Crash Syndrome

When you are dealing with language
educators or anyone else in the human¬
ities, you often encounter hostility to
technology in general and to the
machine in particular. A good example
is the foreign language lab. Back in the
sixties, there was a strong trend toward
language labs. The suppliers made
extravagant claims for their equipment.
Zealots within the field corroborated the
claims and pleaded for funds.

Administrators took the bait and
bought, while the rank and file stood by
a bit skeptically to see if all the promises
would come true. They didn’t, and the
result was ultimately the lab crash with
instructors and students bailing out right
and left, to the point that now language

reseachers (with clairvoyant hindsight)
point out that the language lab was not
the answer.

I happen to believe in the language lab
because I learned a great deal of French
in a lab at the Institut de Phonetique in
Paris. The differences between what I
experienced and the scene at the typical
U.S. language lab are laden with lessons
for the computer movement. The U.S.
method was to install relatively complex
hardware and leave it up to the teachers
to learn how to use the stuff and to
create their own software, a very
dehumanizing experience for the average
fuzzy studies professional.

At the Air Force Academy, we had a
lab console that was worthy of the Space
Shuttle controls in complexity. The full¬
time lab technician was the only one
who ever had a really firm grasp on the
machine.

Our Canadian exchange officer at the
time, a specialist in lab applications, did
come up with some workable programs.
The rest of us, students and instructors
alike, just muddled on through at a
tremendous cost in time and harbored
an ever-growing hatred of those damn
machines.

In Paris, the lab was run by pro¬
fessionals who acted as if they really
believed that their machines and their

programs could help us learn. And they
did. The lesson here is that the hardware
must be simple and robust and the
troops in the trenches, not just the local
field marshalls, must want it. For soft¬
ware, there must be two options:
efficient authoring systems for the do-it-
yourselfers and quality off-the-shelf
packages for everybody else. Easier said
than done.

You Can’t Fly in a Vacuum: The
Industrial-Academic Connection

Without that invisible medium air,
airplanes, even the best of them, can’t
fly. Software is the usually invisible
medium which makes computers fly,
and right now good CEL software for
foreign languages is rarer than oxygen in
outer space. The federal government has
invested some grant money to try to help
fill the void. Here is an example from an
NSF funded project entitled “Im¬
plementation of a Generative Computer
Assisted Instruction System on a Small
Computer.”

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April 1983 ® Creative Computing

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u82A—80 column. 120cps . $395

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Gemini 10—80 column. 2k expandable buffer. $365

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ATARI

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Microtek 32k RAM (AT 400/800)—list $139. $105

Percom RFD40 SI (176K)—list $699 . $646

" RFD44-S1 (352K)—list $845 .$685

810 Disk . $450

830 Modem . $159

850 Printer Interface . $165

Printer cable. S35

Serial cable. S35

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Osborne printer, parallel—5ft . $35

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answer/dial . $135

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Hayes Smartmodem 300 . S215

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TYPE FACES—PC . $105

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APPLE-IBM CONNECTION—transfers files
between. $175

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DT242.8" thin, dsdd . $485

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Disk 1. Floppy Controller . $490

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RAM 21.128K Static. 12MHz . $1155

M-Drive. 128K . $1150

S-100 Mainframe. 20 slot, rack. $795

S-100 Mainframe. 20 slot, desk . $735

System Support 1.1/0 . $335

Interfaces 3,8 serial. $615

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574 M . Single Sided. Double Density with Hub
Ring

5 boxes .$17.50/box

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MX-80 black .$25/3pcs.

MX-10 black .$39/3pcs.

TELEVIDEO TERMINALS

Extra Memory Pages |kit) INCLUDED—

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MEMORY IC s

4164 64K Dynamic 200ns.$7.25

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4116 16K Dynamic 200ns .$2.00

2716 Eprom .$4.00

2732 Eprom.$6.50

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CIRCLE 196 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Cegolle, continued...

RIGHT. TRANSLATE FROM GERMAN
TO ENGLISH: JEDE KUH SCHLAGT
DIE FRAU.

EVERY COW H I TS THE WOMAN .

RIGHT.

I suggest we look elsewhere for a solution.

Why not an industrial-academic com¬
plex to rival the old military-industrial
complex? Industry has people who speak
computer language. Around academe,
there are some people with brilliant
ideas on how to use computers in teach¬
ing. Neither group stands much of a

The industry profits
when quality software
helps sell hardware.

chance of producing good software
alone. But companies like Texas
Instruments are now using professional
educators as consultants in the creation
of teaching software.

The industry profits when quality
software helps sell hardware. The
universities benefit from the availability

of educational software programs which
they could not have created alone. The
key, then, to getting CEL off the ground
is going to be software which for the
most part, doesn’t exist yet but which
could result from the industrial-aca¬
demic connection. So make friends with
the vendors.

CEGOLLE Attack:

Space Invaders a la Mode

Now for the game. Imagine you are
enrolled in basic French. It is a five-
semester-hour course consisting of five
hours of communication seminars with
the instructor and five hours of com¬
puter-integrated multimedia lab time per
week. And that’s it, no required home¬
work. You are in the university learning
center. Even though you can access the
university computer system over the
phone line through your own home
computer, you like to work in the learn¬
ing center when you can find a free
terminal because you like the fancy
peripherals they have here: videodisc,
video cassette, random audio, student
voice recording and playback, etc.

You just started French yesterday and
got the full explanation of how the
course would work. Most of the basics
would be instructed in the lab. Class
time would be reserved for questions

from the students, instructor comments
about results on the previous lab quiz,
and a lot of human-to-human commu¬
nication: student-instructor and student-
student. Today is the first lab lesson.

You find a free learning station, put
your headset on, and log in with your
name and student ID number. The com¬
puter says “hello” and asks if you would
like to choose a code name to protect
your files for the rest of the semester.
You start to say “no” but then decide
you don’t want to risk somebody tam¬
pering with your quiz results and type in
FRODO. The computer reminds you
not to forget your code name for future
log-ins and then flashes up a list of your
present courses, asking which course
you now wish to work on.

You reply “French” and immediately
get the introductory frame for your first
French lesson which explains the goals
of this first lesson and instructs you
what software you need to get from the
reserve desk for this lesson. You get it,
set everything up, then for 20 minutes
your attention alternates from the com¬
puter monitor to the adjacent TV screen
as animation, still frames, film clips,
script, sound, and voice introduce the
essentials of lesson one. Then for
another 20 minutes video and audio cues
elicit your responses in French, which

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CIRCLE 166 ON READER SERVICE CARD

April 1983 ° Creative Computing

Epson MX 80 FT .

$429.95

MX 100 .

$599.95

FX 80 FT .

$549.95

NEC 8023 AC .

$459.95

Brother HR-1 Parallel .

$799.95

Serial .

$849.95

C. Itoh Prowriter Parallel .

$449.95

Serial .

$574.95

Okidata 82A .

$419.95

83A .

$699.95

84P .

$999.95

84S .

$1129.95

92 .

$529.95

93 .

$899.95

Printer Cables & Interfaces Available.

DISK DRIVES

Rana Elite 1 w/controller .

$379.95

Rana Elite 1 w/o controller .

$299.95

Micro SCI A35 w/controller .

$339.95

A35 w/o controller .

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A40 w/controller .

$409.95

A40 w/o controller .

$329.95

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$499.95

A70 w/o controller .

$439.95

Corvus-Apple II

6 MB (Hard Drive) .

$2449.95

11 MB (Hard Drive) .

$3849.95

MONITORS

AMDEK Color 1 .

$319.95

NEC 12" Hi-Res Green .

$169.95

NEC IBM-PC Hi-Res RGB .

$699.95

TAXAN Amber .

$139.95

BLANK MEDIA

Elephant (10) .

. $20.95

Verbatim (10) .

. $28.95

MODEMS

Hayes Smart 300 baud .

$209.95

Smart 1200 baud .

$499.95

Chronograph .

$179.95

Micro Modem with terminal program

$279.95

PRINTER RIBBONS

Epson MX 80 . $9.95 ea. or 3

for $24.95

Epson MX 100 .

$19.95

NEC 8023 or Prowriter $14.95 ea. or 2 for $24.95

TOU FREE1S7

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INTEC

RAM BOARDS

SOFTWARE

16K . $ 49.95

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$112.95

32K Atari . $ 59.95

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. $344.95

48K 400/800 $129.95

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$179.95

• Reduces Heat

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• Highest Quality

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. $ 56.95

• Lifetime Warranty

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$ 99.95

EDUCATION

Pre-school 10 Builder (Prog. Design) . $22.95

Counting Bee (Edu-Ware) . $22.95

Algebra I (Edu-Ware) . $29.95

Story Machine (Spinnaker) . $26.95

BOOKS

“How to Write an IBM Program” .. $14.95

“How to Write an Apple Program” . $14.95

“IBM P-C and Software” . $34.95

RECREATION

Mystery House (Sierra) . $18.95

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CA Residents add 6% Sales Tax. Credit Card orders add 3%.

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CIRCLE 217 ON READER SERVICE CARD

APPLE COMPATIBLE
COMPUTER

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Desktop Plan II (Apple) 179.

Desktop Plan (IBM) 249.

Visidex (IBM or Apple) 179.

Visifile (Apple) 179.

Visifile (IBM) 249.

Visiplot (Apple) 145.

Visischedule (Apple) 229.

Visiterm (Apple) 75.

Visitrend/Plot (Apple) 229.

64 K
128K

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PARTIAL LISTING

BEAGLE BROS:

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22.00

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17.50

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22.00

TIP DISK #1

15.00

TYPEFACES

15.00

UTILITY CITY

22.00

BPI, GL, AP, AR

299.00

BRODERBUND

$CALL

DATAMOST

$CALL

FROGGER

30.00

HOME ACCOUNTANT

59.00

HOME ACC’T + (IBM)

119.00

MICROPRO

$CALL

MICROSOFT

$CALL

MULTIPLAN

199.00

PEACHTREE

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PIE WRITER

119.00

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99.00

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215.00

TRANSEND

119.00

WIZARDRY

35.00

WORDHANDLER II

139.00

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ALS-Z-CARD

159.00

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100.00

DISK LIBRARY CASE

2.50

FLIP FILE

20.00

GRAPPLER +

139.00

HAYES MICROMODEM II

269.00

KRAFT JOYSTICK

47.00

MX-80 PRINTER STAND

19.00

MX-PLUS

45.00 I

MICROBUFFER II 32K

239.00 1

MICROSOFT SOFTCARD

239.00

NOVATION PRODUCTS

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PAYMAR L/CASE, REV. 7

20.00

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159.00

PRACTICAL PERIPHERALS

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PROMETHEUS

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SHIFT KEY MODIFICATION

12.00

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119.00

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149.00

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209.00

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Joystick II

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Clock

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Music System

299.00 1

Super Talker

149.00 6

Expansion Chassis

559.00 1

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119°°

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Applewriter Pre-Boot

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Visicalc 80 Software

49 00

Visicalc 80 w/mem. exp.

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CIRCLE 145 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Cegolle, continued...

are recorded through your headset
microphone and then replayed at the
end of each segment of the exercise.

Cockfight Squadron

Then comes the quiz. When your
instructor promised you would like it,

As a student of French
you have been
assigned to Cockfight
Squadron.

you had your doubts. But the computer
isn't showing anything about a test. It
says that as a student of French you
have been assigned to Cockfight Squad¬
ron (you learn later that a buddy in
Spanish is in Condor Flight and a guy in
German in Eaglestrike). Your first at¬
tack mission is called Interdict.

Depending on how confident you feel
about what you just studied, you can
choose one of the four possible mission
levels: Cadet, Pilot, Ace, or Superace.
You opt for Superace because you think
you understand the first lesson pretty
well, and besides you like a challenge.

The computer then explains that you
will have a total of five spacecraft with
which to complete the ten sorties of ten
seconds each which comprise this
mission.

You then learn that in Interdict a
French sentence which is missing a word
appears at the top of the computer video
monitor screen. At the same time, a
video representation of the reality which
the sentence should express appears on
the TV monitor. You must identify the
place in the sentence where a word is
missing by zapping the space where
there should be room for that word. If
you miss or choose the wrong space,
your craft explodes, and you must start
the sortie over again with a new craft. If
you hit the right space, the sentence
blows apart, making room for the miss¬
ing word.

At the same time, four different words
appear below your craft on the screen.
You must home in on the right word
and zap it. If you miss, choose the wrong
word, or take too long, your craft
explodes, and you must call up a new
one to complete that portion of the sor¬
tie. If you hit the right word, all the
wrong choices disintegrate and the right
one pops up into its place in the sen¬
tence. At this point, you hear the sen¬
tence repeated twice and again see the

video illustration of its meaning.

You put your hand on the joystick
controller and press Return to start.
After six sorties your forehead is damp.
You have only one craft left and that is
only because you made a lucky guess on
the last sentence. You lose your last
craft on sortie seven. The computer says
you must begin the mission again and
suggests you try something simpler than
the Superace level.

You agree, opt for Pilot, and start the
mission again. Five minutes later you
have completed the mission losing only
four craft. Then the TV screen comes
alive with the mission debrief conducted
by a 25th Century version of the squad¬
ron operations officer. You get an
explanation of why you lost those four
craft and an admonition to review your
manuals so as to never again make the
same mistakes.

Then the computer comes back and
asks if you would like to play Intercept
or Scramble. You look at your watch.
You have been at the learning station for
53 minutes. You decide to do Intercept
because the description on the screen in¬
dicates that the random access audio
peripheral is essential for this game and
you haven’t been able to afford one for
your home set up yet. So you opt for
Intercept at the Pilot level.

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CIRCLE 301 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Cegolle, continued...

The game is like Interdict except that
instead of word choices appearing on the
screen you hear them one at a time over
the headset and must zap the right
choice as soon as you hear it. The sen¬
tences are new but similar to those of

If you latch onto a
word in the wrong
sequence, your craft is
sucked down into the
screen and you must
call up a new one.

Interdict. After another five minutes,
you have finished the mission with only
two craft lost. The mission debrief is
very short. The computer asks if you
would like to redo any previous parts of
the lesson or play Scramble. You have
been there a little more than an hour al¬
ready, and you need a break, so you de¬
cide to quit for now.

Dinner Break

After dinner that evening, you log in
through your home system. You install

French Diskette #1, which you checked
out from the learning center, call for
Scramble and learn that each sortie in¬
volves pulling a group of words scattered
at random over the screen into a coher¬
ent sentence using a tractor beam from
your craft. If you latch onto a word in
the wrong sequence, your craft is sucked
down into the screen and you must call
up a new one. No TV video or random
access audio this time, but it is too far
back to the learning center, and by this
time there is probably a long waiting line
for every station. You would have to
stay there half the night just to get on.

Things haven’t changed. Dad said it
used to be that way in every comp. sci.
course he ever took. Never enough
terminal time available. Many of the
brilliant guys got fed up and switched
majors. It took a lot of patience just to
make it through. At least now with your
home system you have an option.

So you jump into Scramble, do the
first mission once through at Pilot level,
then again at Superace. No mission de¬
brief possible without the TV video
peripherals, but by the second time
through you do it perfectly anyway. You
call for Scramble mission two and start
it off at the Ace level. Perfect score the
second time through. You decide you
want a change and call up Interdict mis¬

sion two. After about an hour, you have
completed the five missions in both
Interdict and Scramble.

You decide that tomorrow, before go¬
ing to the French communication semi¬
nar, you’ll spend 20 minutes in the
learning center and do the four Intercept
missions you didn’t get to earlier. You
know your instructor will have a print¬
out of missions attempted and success
rate for everyone in the class, and you
want to make a good impression right at
the beginning. And anyway with all the
variety involved, it’s more fun than
Space Invaders.

In fact, you decide to skip the TV
video games for tonight and instead log
in on the National Postal Network and
write your girlfriend back home a letter
about the first two days of classes, es¬
pecially your French course. After all,
French is for lovers. She happens to be
on her system and answers you right
away. She says high school senior
French is a drag and wishes she could be
in that course with you. You sign off
with love and kisses and “wish you were
here.” You have to make sure she
doesn’t forget, but mustn’t overdo it ei¬
ther. Besides you are going to have to
get some sleep and start early tomorrow
if you want to finish those Cockfight
Intercept missions before French class. □

—

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CX-30 Game Paddles
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Visa A Master Charge accepted. Allow 20 days for personal checks to clear.

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A2 $349

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A70 $479

Controller A2 3.2, 3.3 & Self
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A40 or A70 $ 89

RANA

Elite I $379

Elite II $499

Controller: Four Drives $119

INTERFACE CAROS

16K RAM CARDS
ATL S 89

MPC AP 16 $149

Microtek BAM 1 $ 75

Microsoft $139

Promethius $ 79

80 COLUMN CARDS
M & R Sup-r term $259

Videx $239

ALS Smart-term $249

MULTI FUNCTION CARDS
Mountain CPS SI49

Promethius $149

MISCELLANEOUS
Alien Voice Box:

with Rom $149

without Rom S 99

Cool Stack w/fan $ 69

Expand A Port TG S 45

Graphics Tablet by

Versawriter $289

Joysticks:

Muse TG $ 45

Kensington:

System Saver $ E

Keypad ABT 15 key $11

Paddles:

Muse TG $ :

Sup r fan $ |

Universal Modulator $ •

MISCELLANEOUS CARDS

CC Math Proc. 7811
Ser/lnt 7710 A
Ser/lnt 7710-D
Timer 7740
Cent/Per 7728
MPC:

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32K Ram AP 32
Microsoft:

Premium Pak
Z 80 Card

Mountain Computer:

A/D Converter
Clock/Calendar
Exp Chassis
Introl/BSRX 10
Kbd Filter Rom
Music System
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Videx:

Function Strip
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Soft Switch

$339

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Sanyo 13 inch

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Atari 830
Anchor

HAYES

Chronograph
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Smart modem
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BIZCOMP

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Cat
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IOS

Micro Prism
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With Color!!!

Prism 132
6 Ft Cable
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OKIDATA

$195

$269

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$139

$289
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$144

$599

$599
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$1549
$ 29
S 34
$139
$ 15

$330

S455

$695

$1099

MONITORS
GREEN SCREENS
BMC 12 inch $ 89

zenith 12 inch $ 99

JCS 12 inch $145

Sanyo 12 inch $205

BLACK & WHITE

Sanyo 9 inch $145

Sanyo 12 inch S189

AMBER SCREEN

JCS $159

USI $169

Amdak $169

82A
83A

84 Parallel

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Gemini 10 SCALL

Gemini 15 SCALL

BROTHER

Letter Quality Seriel $899

Letter Quality Parallel $799

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Letter Quality $599

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Pari. 8. Cable $ 89

Apple Dumpling $129

Grappler ♦ $139

MieroBuffer 16K $209

MicroBuffer 32K $229

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IN OREGON!

LIKE OUR PRICES? SEND FOR OUR CATALOG!
CALL FOR COMPLETE LINE OF SOFTWARE

CIRCLE 246 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Copying a Cosmos

Peter Payack

On a piece of paper draw a picture of a star.

Color it yellow.

Then draw four other stars of varying sizes
on four additional sheets of paper.

Make one extra large using the limits of the page,
color it red.

The smallest one will be a neutron star,
use a black crayon on it.

The other two should be orange and blue-white.

Bring these to an instant copy center
and have them run off 40 billion copies of each picture
using paper of the appropriate color.

Don’t worry about the price;

The rate drops after the first 10,000 copies.

The colored paper is extra.

While these are being processed

draw some planets on other sheets of paper.

Include

large planets, planets with rings,
tiny crater-strewn planets, dead planets,
planets with colorful bands of gas,
planets inhabited by superior civilizations,
and half-formed planets (planetoids).

When the copy center is finished duplicating
the 200 billion stars,
bring them the planets.

They’ll love you!

Since it is not known how many stars have planets

100 million copies of each drawing should do it.

III

Get a really sharp pencil

and make random dots all over a sheet of white paper.
These dots will be the numberless atoms of hydrogen

which flow randomly throughout interstellar space.
Try to make 100,000 on a page.

If necessary use a microscope.

Make a trillion copies.

Technically this is not nearly enough hydrogen atoms
but we have to draw the line somewhere.

Bring this load to a second printer.

Peter Payack, 64 Highland Avenue. Cambridge, MA 02139.

Next get a piece of pitch-black paper
and have its blackness duplicated.

Have the attendant at a third duplicating center
set the dial at infinity.

Tell him money is no object.

If you must, intimate that your
“old man is really loaded!”

These black pages are the abysmal expanses
of cold emptiness

which most of galactic space consists of.

Place them in a meat freezer until ready for use.

Rent a fleet of 18-wheelers

to transport the copies home.

Unload them in your front yard.

When this is accomplished you are almost finished.
Take a brief rest.

Handletter invitations

and invite the whole neighborhood to a party

to help with the completion of the project.
Threaten them by saying it’s the only way
you’ll ever get the yard cleaned-up.

They’ll come running!

VII

Ask the Fire Department to donate the services
of their longest ladders.

VIII

On a clear windless night,

extend the ladders upward so that the tips

are resting against the rafters

which keep the night sky from collapsing.
Anchor the ladders securely into terra firma:

Why risk a lawsuit from a careless neighbor?

Using paste, tacks, staples, tape, and hooks

affix the copies to the underside of the celestial dome.

Watch out for orbiting satellites!

Stars can be attached
singly,
put in pairs,
grouped in clusters,
or arranged in constellations.

Planets should be strewn around the individual stars.
The black pages of empty space

should be taken out of the freezer
and along with the reprints of the hydrogen atoms,
liberally affixed throughout.

If everyone co-operates,

and nobody falls off a ladder,
the project should be completed by sunrise. □

April 1983 © Creative Computing

201

Learn To Touch Type

For many computer owners, a word
processor is one of their most valuable
programs. It bestows the freedom to cre¬
ate and produce documents away from
the confines of the office and without the
help of secretaries. Often, though, a se¬
vere cramp in this new found freedom is
the inability to type quickly. Inaccurate
typing is of less significance, since docu-
ments can always be cleaned up
magnetically before printing. But basic
slow speed, the inability to put thoughts
down on paper at a reasonable pace, is
always frustrating. Therefore, if your
heart’s desire is to write, be it great lit¬
erature, seedy novels, sober articles, or
mere business letters, then it is well
worth your while to learn the art of
touch typing.

An idea of the speeds available with
different techniques is given in Figure 1.
Hunt and Peck is a miserable form of
typing in which a single finger on each
hand is used to pick letters off one by
one. It is the most natural form of typing
for the novice to slip into, but has severe
restrictions on the upper speed which
can be achieved. Far better to take the
plunge, pass through a period of undeni¬
able awkwardness, but emerge at the end
a true touch typist.

The Art of Touch Typing

It is a fact that most copy typists do
not absord the content of what they are
typing. The text flows in at the eyes and
flows out again at the finger tips; the
brain in the middle can be occupied, at
least partly, with far more interesting
things. In other words, touch typing is
not an intellectual exercise; it is a purely
reflexive skill.

Stephen Stares, c/o Wilbur Smith and Associates,
Casilla 20434, La Paz, Bolivia.

Stephen Stares

At first, typing is a slow process as the
following steps are consciously followed:

1. The eye reads a letter (or the mind
conceives of one).

2. The brain recognizes the letter.

3. The brain decides where the letter is
on the keyboard.

4. The brain selects the finger to be
used.

5. The brain directs the finger to the
appropriate key.

6. The letter is typed (or mistyped as
the case may be).

The objective in touch typing is to
merge the four middle stages which take
place in the brain, so that they become
one instinctive action, as natural as
handwriting. This can be developed only
with practice; learning to type shares
some of the characteristics of learning to
play a musical instrument.

Preparing To Type

There used to be a children’s radio
program which began: “Are you sitting
comfortably? Then we’ll begin.’’ Sitting
comfortably is of particular importance
for typing. Poor posture will haunt you
with strain, backaches, and general
tiredness. It is, therefore, worth the ef¬

fort to spend some time preparing a
good work station for your typing.

Absolute specification of chair and ta¬
ble heights is impossible, since every¬
thing depends on the shape and size of
the individual. In general, though, the
following rules should be followed in
determining a typing position (see also
Figure 2):

• Sit upright, with the back straight.

• Place the feet squarely on the floor,
a little way apart. The thighs should be
parallel with the floor.

• Dangle your arms by your sides, and
then without moving the elbows, raise

Figure 2.

Figure 1.

Hunt and Peck Typing

15-25 words per minute

Handwriting

20-30

Average Touch Typing

40-60

Very Good Typing

70-90

Superb Typing

100 +

202

April 1983 0 Creative Computing

For ZX81 or TSKXX)
software savings, rip off tliis ad.

□

THE STAMP COLLECTOR
(#31) Inventory and store up to 600
SCOTT numbers in a single session show¬
ing quantity on hand, by major classifica¬
tion, and provide full want list support.

□

VU-CALC (#11) This program con¬
structs, generates, and calculates large
tables for financial analysis, budget
sheets, and projections. An immensely
powerful analysis chart.

□

SUPERMAZE (#34) Navigate your
way through a three-dimensional maze,
with trapdoors, gold bars, marker stones,
and compass. Ten separate mazes. Three-
dimensional graphics.

□

ANMT1MT10N 3CHC0ULC

PERSONAL FINANCE PLAN¬
NER (#28) Perform calculations,
finance a house, a car, keep savings
accounts, repay loans and calculate an am¬
ortization schedule which can be generated
for any of the financial programs.

□

r i

.I IIS

Lrr__/ 1 1 L-l

SUPER MATH (#14) Drill yourself on
addition, subtraction, multiplication, and
division with five levels of difficulty. Each
problem graphically depicted.

□

* iKTtS2»f ihs’cstIASt ion

• JJCB RNO'OlHlNSlON'CATIlLSaul

THE HOME IMPROVEMENT
PLANNER (#29) Store up to 20 room
measurements (length, width, height),
compute total area in each (wall, floor),
estimate costs of painting, wall papering
and carpets and draw house blueprints.

STATES AND CAPITOLS (#32)

Test yourself on the fifty states and their
capitols. Three options of review are availa¬
ble. (1) States, you provide capitols. (2)
Capitols, provide states. (3) A mix of states
and capitols.

□

THE FLIGHT SIMULATOR (#6)

Take control of highly maneuverable light
aircraft. With full controls, instrumentation
and navigational aids to avoid hazards in
landing.

l£g Sis*

CHESS AND CHESS CLOCK
(#7) Six levels. All the legal moves includ¬
ing castling and enpassant. Keeps a sepa¬
rate record of plays made for easy reference.
Play another opponent or match wits with
the computer.

BACKGAMMON AND DICE (#8)

A perfect blend of chance and skill. Uses
machine code to choose its moves. Full
game including graphics board, rolling dice,
and double cube. Play the computer or
another opponent.

THE CUBE GAME (#9) The cube
can be displayed in three views: (1) Solid;
(2) Two-Dimensional (unfolded); and (3)
See-thru cube (3-D). You start with the
cube solved, set it up any way you like, or
pick up from a previous session.

□

REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT
ANALYSIS (#30) Two different invest¬
ment strategies. The first selection allows
the user to choose between renting or buy¬
ing. The second selection consists of a
detailed analysis of the rental investment
property.

PINBALL (#35) Plays like real pinball
complete with flippers, bumpers, "nudge,"
bonus points and more. Uses fast, efficient
machine code to choose its moves.

STOCK MARKET GAME (#27)

Bull or bear? This realistic simulation lets
you analyze information, buy and sell
stocks, take out and pay off loans and
win, if you can accumulate $50,000 in
“The Market."

FORTRESS OF ZORLAC (#36)

A super fast game in which you are the
commander of a fleet of spaceships. Your
mission is to rid the galaxy of the dreaded
alien, ZORLAC.

□

ATOR THE ABC GATOR (#33)

Designed to teach recognition and sequence
of the alphabet. Combines computer
instruction, music and video games.

r W W W W W 1

□

i M MM

SPACE RAIDERS, BOMBER

(#5) Timex/Sinclair version of the popular
arcade games full of bombs and rockets
and collisions with skyscrapers.

FROGGER (#37) Plays like the
arcade game. Hop the frog over traffic,
snakes, crocodiles, and treacherous diving
turtles before time runs out.

Sinclair? the company that invented the world’s
most affordable computer, has invented a way for
you to order the most affordable software—right
from your home!

You’ve never had this wide a selection before.

You can play games that challenge you, instead of
bore you. You can learn new household applica¬
tions and business programs that reduce work
dramatically.

Only Sinclair offers this special software savings.
Only ZX81 or Timex TS1000 owners are eligible.

The more you buy, the more you save.

A serious Sinclair software offer.

The first cassette you buy, you buy at normal
cost: $15.00. But every cassette thereafter, you get
at a savings.

The list below explains how much you save,
based on how much you buy. It couldn’t be easier.

You were smart to buy the ZX81 or the
TS1000. You’ll be even smarter to take us up on
this software offer. All cassettes listed at left work
on both the ZX81 and the TS1000. All cassettes
are 16K, which means you need the 16K Memory
Module. (If you want more information on this
component, please write Sinclair at the address
listed below.)

But don’t delay. This is a limited time software
offer while supplies last.

How to order today!

Just call our toll-free number and use your
MasterCard or VISA. Or send this ad with a
check or money order. It’s as easy as that.

Call toll-free: 800-543-3000. Ask for operator
509. In Canada call 513-729-4300, operator 509.
Have your MasterCard or VISA ready when call¬
ing. Phones open 24 hours a day, 7 days a w r eek.
These numbers are for orders only.

If you simply want information, please don’t
call, write Sinclair Research, Ltd., 2 Sinclair
Plaza, Nashua, NH 03061.

(Sorry, no refunds on software. Defective
cassettes will be replaced.)

_Call toll free_

800 - 543-3000

-(operator 509)-—

Ad. code:

B4CC

Mail to: Sinclair Research, Ltd.

One Sinclair Plaza, Nashua, NH
03061

Check the boxes of all □ Check or money order

cassettes you want at left,_enclosed._

Fill in the space beside total for your total payment

□ 1 cassette: $15.00

□ 2 cassettes: $25.00
(save $5.00)

□ 3 cassettes: $35.00
(save $10.00)

□ 4 cassettes: $45.00
(save $15.00)

□ 5 cassettes: $50.00
(save $25.00)

□ 6 cassettes or more:

$10.00 each $_

Plus Shipping/Handling $5.00

Total:

U.S. Dollars

Name

Street

City

Zip

State

•Sinclair technology is the heart of both the ZX81 and the Timex/Sinclair 1000.

iinrfaii -

Send for FREE catalog including equipment reviews prices
specs, and illustrations on over 600 computers and accessories

CALL TOLL FREE: 800-526-53131

COMPUTER DISCOUNT OF AMERICA. INC.

15 Marshall Hill Road. West Milford Mall
West Milford. New Jersey 07480-219
.In New Jersey Call 201-728-8080

Computer
Discount
of America

CIRCLE 144 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Put your Micro
on IBM's level

Now you can communicate with the IBM^ * c

world with Innovative Data Technology’s ^

1/2" magnetic tape peripherals.

Popular configurations and optimum
performance for most small systems that ^
feature industry-standard interfaces, rapid
data transfer rates, full operating and
command subsets and a ■KVTTnj

wide selection of models and ^
configurations, IDT s magnetic H Ur ^ j|H
tape subsystems provide HI Ilk .1 jjl
economical and reliable HI I yf '*'j HI

data/program interchange, Hj j£fl

40M bytes of storage and

disc back-up. All IDT sub- 1

systems come complete j ^--4

and include tape transport,

formatter, intelligent APP

controller, computer "^a**** 0 ^? .

resident coupler, cables, \-^*^^TRS-80

documentation and software.

But most importantly, they help put your system
in touch with the IBM universe.

O.E.M., dealer/distributor discounts available.

4060 Morena Blvd. • San Diego, CA 92117
(619) 270-3990 • TWX: (910) 335-1610

Eastern Regional Office:

P.O. Box 7093 • McLean, VA 22101-1093
(703) 821-1101 • TWX: (710) 833-9888

IBM is a trademark of International Business Machines Corp.
Apple is a trademark of Apple Computer Inc.

TRS-80 is a trademark of the Tandy Corporation.

INNOVATIVE.

DATA

TECHNOLOGY

CIRCLE 191 ON READER SERVICE CARD 2Q4

Touch Type, continued...

the forearms until they are parallel to
the floor, or sloping slightly up and
away from you. At this point, the fingers
should be curving down to rest on the
home row of the keyboard, that is to say,
the middle row of letters. The backs of
the hands should also be parallel to the
floor. You should not have to reach for
the keyboard.

• The screen should be comfortably in
front of you, clearly visible without hav¬
ing to lean forward or down. On my Ap¬
ple, I have placed a thick book between
the monitor and the disk drives to gain a
little more elevation for the screen. It
seems to me that the built-in screens of
some computers are really too low.

• Material to be typed (even if only
rough notes) should be propped up to
the left or the right. I find that one of the
typing supports sold in business
stationers is a great help. These usually
come complete with magnetic paper
holders and line guides.

A novice can be
productive
immediately.

The furniture used to achieve this
ideal will depend upon availability or
purse. Office style furniture is clearly
very suitable, if expensive, with chairs of
adjustable height and a range of tables
designed to hold typewriters. Absolute
conformity to the ideal, however, is not
necessary, and adequate adjustments to
existing furniture can often be made us¬
ing cushions, books, and other props. If
you still end up with an unsatisfactory
arrangement, the ensuing aches and
pains will soon let you know.

Starting To Learn

Learning to type with a computer is
much easier than learning with a con¬
ventional typewriter:

• There are no problems with paper
alignment

• After the initial setup, a good word
processor eliminates all worries about
page layout—margins, indents, line
spacing, etc.

• Computer programs are available
for self-teaching.

• Mistakes are easier and less messy to
correct.

Above all, and following on from the
last point, even a novice can prepare a
good looking document, since however
badly typed initially, it can be cleaned
up magnetically and printed without a
trace of the original errors showing.
Hence, a novice can be productive im¬
mediately. With a conventional type-

April 1983 ° Creative Computing

ENTER

TIMEX

Programming:

• Alternative Display

• Storing Words

Space Warp
Graphics Game

RETURN IF

INPUT

PLOT

I PLOT REM

RAND

GOTO

GOSUB LOAD

SCROLL^ NEXT

kRCCOS ARCTAN SON
' CLEAR CONT

PAUSE

IN KEYS NOT

FOR

SINCLAIR

AND

TIMEX

SINCLAIR

OWNERS

ONLY

I f you own a Timex Sinclair, a ZX81,
or any other Sinclair computer,
you’ve probably discovered that
the big microcomputer magazines
cover only the bigger computers.
Where can you find helpful articles on
the Sinclair? In Sync!

Sync is the one magazine that’s
written exclusively about Clive Sin¬
clair’s marvelous inventions, the Sin¬
clair computers. And it’s the one
magazine to read if you want to get
more from your Sinclair.

You’ll find program listings for
games, helpful programming tech¬
niques, hardware upgrades, math and
science programs, news of new prod¬
ucts for the Sinclair—in short, every¬
thing you need to use and enjoy your
Sinclair to the fullest.

In just two recent issues, for exam¬
ple, we covered:

□ Putting a Reverse Character in a
String

□ How to Double Your Memory
□ Least Squares Data Analysis With
the ZX80/81

□ Space Warp: A Graphics Space
Game

□ How to Reduce “Blank Screen
Time”

□ Storing Three-Letter Words in an
Array

□ Software Review: ZX Galaxians

□ An Introduction to Expression Eval¬
uation

□ Short Programs Just for Fun

□ The ZX81 Parser and User-Defined
Commands

□ Understanding Floating Point Arith¬
metic

□ Handling Strings from Another Di¬
mension

□ Book Review: Understanding Your
ZX81 ROM

□ How to Add a Keyboard to Your Sin¬
clair

□ Translating Other Basics: DEF on
the ZX81

□ Six Outer Space Games—With Pro¬
gram Listings

□ Hardware Review: Sinclair ZX Spec¬
trum High Resolution Color/Sound
Computer

If you own a Sinclair microcom¬
puter, Sync is the only computer mag¬
azine you really need. Subscribe now
to Sync, and you can save up to 33%!
Just complete and return the post¬
age-paid reply card or the coupon
at right.

SAVE UP TO 33%
ON SYNC!

sMnc

CN 1986 • Morristown, NJ 07960

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Touch Type, continued...

writer, production in the early stages of
learning is either extremely slow, or the
final document is knee deep in whiteout
liquid.

A systematic approach to learning is
highly desirable. It is possible, of course,
to use conventional self-teaching ma¬
terial, such as can be found in many li¬
braries and book shops. However, why
not instead call upon the considerable
power of the computer as a teaching
tool? Several teaching programs have
been developed and two are discussed
later in this article. Such programs can
present graded material for learning,
monitor progress, and even adjust the
lessons to concentrate on weak keys.
They are ideal for teaching touch typing,
since the eyes naturally concentrate on
the screen, which is a prime requirement
for practicing.

It is better to practice 15-20 minutes
each day, rather than have a two-hour
blitz every Saturday morning. A longer
period each day is, of course, better. If
possible, set aside a regular period for
practice, preferably when you are
reasonably fresh.

Learning The Letters
And Punctuation Marks

A basic feature of touch typing is that
each key is typed by a specific finger and
no other. The keys for each finger are
allocated in a logical manner, so that
each key can be reached comfortably,
without having to stretch too much. The
aim is to make the typing of each letter
so automatic that no conscious thought
is required. First though, the keys must
be learned, and this can be done by
studying the diagram of the keyboard
presented in Figure 3.

Note that the thumbs are used for
nothing more than hitting the space bar.
Strict teaching demands that only the
right thumb be used, but I really cannot
see why. Anyway, the main point is that
this leaves only the four fingers of each
hand for the serious task of striking the
keys.

A vital point to remember, is that a
rest position, to which it should always
return after striking a key, is defined for
each finger. This rest position is just
above what is termed the home row , that
is, the middle row of letters in the di¬
agram above. The fingers of the left
hand are positioned over the letters A, S,
D, and F, while the fingers of the right
hand are positioned over the letters J, K,
and L and the semicolon. To strike the
other keys, the fingers move in a diag¬
onal slanted to the left, as indicated by
the lines on the diagram. Thus the left
little finger moves from the home po¬
sition over the A key, up and left to
strike the Q key, and down and right to
strike the Z key. The middle finger of

the right hand moves from the home po¬
sition over the K key, up and left to
strike the I key, and down and right to
strike the comma key.

The two index fingers have to work
overtime, since they must deal with two
columns of letters. The left index finger
strikes the letters G, T, and B, as well as
F, R, and V. The right index finger has
the additional burden of the letters H, Y,
and N, along with J, U, and M.

For all keys away from the rest po¬
sition of the fingers, the action is always
three-part: move the finger, strike the
key, move the finger back to the rest po¬
sition. The action of striking the keys
should be a sharp, quick tap. A slow un¬

certain prod can lead to repeated letters,
and a groping action often leads to two
keys being struck together, with un¬
certain results.

On computers which allow the typing
of both capital and small letters (upper
and lower case), the use of the shift key
must be learned. To form a capital letter,
it is usually necessary to strike the
appropriate key while at the same time
holding down the shift key. A con¬
ventional keyboard has two shift keys,
one at the left and one at the right. In
this case, the rule is to use the little fin¬
ger of the hand not being used to strike
the letter key, to hold down the nearest
shift key. However, computers vary
considerably in their implementation of
the shift, so you will have to study the
particular characteristics of your ma¬
chine before deciding on the best tech¬
nique to use.

For true touch typing, it is essential to
learn to type without looking at the key¬
board. Therefore, when practicing after
the keys have been learned, glue your
eyes to the screen. Occasional glances to
ensure that hands are in the correct po¬
sitions are permissible, but visual search¬
ing for the keys must be eliminated.

Before worrying about the numbers
and the symbols, it is best to learn the
letters and punctuation marks thor¬
oughly. These are the keys which are
used most frequently, and mastery of

206

them is nine-tenths of the battle of learn¬
ing to touch type. Therefore, the next
step is to build up speed and accuracy on
the letters and punctuation marks, leav¬
ing the numbers and symbols until later.

Developing Speed And Accuracy

Quite early on, you will find that you
have typed a set of letters without con¬
sciously having directed your fingers.
You will have conceived of the word
“the,” and suddenly “the” is on the
screen in front of you. What ecstasy! It is
akin to the golfer’s first full sweet drive
down the fairway, or to the first time a
novice water skier rises out of the water
and starts planing. You have passed

through the main barrier, and although
there is hard work ahead, the knowledge
that you can do it makes all the
difference.

There are now two distinct objectives
to pursue; speed and accuracy. Experi¬
ence shows that it is impossible to con¬
centrate on both at the same time.

Improved speed is the main goal; to a
large extent, accuracy will follow natu¬
rally. To develop speed, it is necessary to
push hard, giving your fingers every
chance to demonstrate their knowledge
of the keys, ignoring, as far as possible,
any evidence to the contrary. It is a little
like weight training; if it doesn’t hurt, it
is not doing you much good. Similarly, if
you don’t make mistakes while going for
typing speed, then you are not trying
hard enough.

For accuracy, it is necessary to slow
down a little. Deliberately think, or even
say out loud, each letter before typing it,
and concentrate on making each action
sharp and precise. Aim at a regular typ¬
ing action, possibly tapping your foot
and typing to the rhythm. When starting
a session on accuracy, start slowly and
well under control, and then build up to
a comfortable speed.

Decide before starting to type whether
to practice for speed or accuracy. A pos¬
sible pattern for a session might be to
start with accuracy, build up to the
maximum comfortable speed, practice a

April 1983 € Creative Computing

Figure 3.

W E

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G H

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4th 3rd 2nd 1st 1st 2nd 3rd 4th

Left Hand

Right Hand

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Touch Type, continued...

while, and then spend some time on
speed. It might be best to end up again
on accuracy, so that you don’t lose
heart. As a guide, if accuracy is above 95
percent (5 errors in 100 keystrokes),
then you should push for more speed.
On the other hand, if your accuracy is
below about 85 percent, then more time
should be spent on this aspect.

Note that a typist using a con¬
ventional typewriter should be aiming at
an accuracy of 98 or 99 percent, but be¬
cause error correction using a word
processor is so simple, and because
corrections leave no trace on the final
document, a higher error rate can be tol¬
erated by a computer user.

Figure 4 .

Vary the practice exercises with some
real typing. If you are learning to type
for a specific purpose, then finding suit¬
able material will not be a problem. If
you are stuck for material, then try typ¬
ing your personal letters, or making
comprehensive notes on computer
procedures. You could even try your
hand at writing an article.

Keep notes on progress. I divided a
page into sets of three columns to record
the day, accuracy, and speed of each ses¬
sion as calculated by the Microsoft Typ¬
ing Tutor II program (see below). If you
must time speeds and count errors by
hand, then one self-test every two or
three days is sufficient.

When you start practicing in earnest
after having learned the keyboard thor¬
oughly, your speed is likely to be be¬
tween 5 and 10 words per minute. With
regular practice, a build up of 5 words
per minute each week is attainable. If
this seems slow, take heart—within a
month you should be typing as fast as
you can reasonably write by hand, and
within two months you could be classi¬
fied as an average, if unspectacular, typ¬
ist. Even if you are slower than this, and
many will be, be encouraged by steady
progress. Remember that once achieved,
a reflex skill like this is hard to lose.

The Numbers And Symbols

Once the letters have been mastered, it
is easy to extend the technique to take in
the numbers and symbols. The numbers
are located in a separate row of keys lo¬
cated above the top row of letters, Q to
P, as shown in Figure 4.

Each finger has a specific column, or
pair of columns, to look after on the key¬
board as determined previously. It is,
therefore, a straightforward matter to
extend this pattern to include the num¬
ber keys. Hence the left hand little and
middle fingers type the 1 and the 3
respectively, while the index finger looks
after both the 4 and the 5. The right
hand follows the same pattern.

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Touch Type, continued...

The symbols are only slightly more
complicated in that most of them require
the simultaneous depression of the shift
key. Since the locations of the symbols
on the keyboard vary depending on the
specific computer considered, it is not
practical to describe key locations in de¬
tail. However, the general rule is the
same as for typing capital letters; use the
appropriate finger to strike the key, as
determined by the letter or number, and
at the same time hold down the shift key
with the little finger of the other hand.
As noted earlier, if your keyboard does

I found typing amidst
the sounds of the
arcade rather
disconcerting.

not conform to the standard pattern,
then you will have to work out your own
procedure.

Although it is useful to build up speed
and accuracy on the numbers and sym¬
bols, they are not used as often as the let¬
ters and punctuation marks, so if you
must make a choice, spend your practice
time on the letters.

Typing Teaching Programs

I have tried two teaching programs,
MasterType by Lightning Software and
Typing Tutor II by Microsoft. Both have
advantages and disadvantages. I found
that MasterType was better for initial
learning, but that Typing Tutor II was
better for building up speed and
accuracy.

MasterType

MasterType is a typing game. You
have control of a command center in the
middle of the screen, and ranged around
you are four enemy bases, each one
occupied by a word. The words send out
missiles to attack the center, and you
can escape damage only by typing that
word before the missile hits. If you man¬
age to type a word while no missile is on

the way, that word is destroyed. The
base survives and is occupied by the next
word. The game continues until you
have destroyed all the words, or until the
words have destroyed the center (which
takes two hits on one side).

To play the game, one of 17 lessons is
selected, together with a speed which
roughly corresponds to a typing speed in
words per minute. Each lesson contains
40 words, and the lessons are graded to
concentrate on specific keys. For exam¬
ple, lesson 1 teaches the letters of the
home row, while lesson 3 is on three,
four, and five letter words on the home
row.

As words are destroyed, points are
scored. Depending on the final score, en¬
couragement is given in a few standard
phrases. You can choose whether or not
to see the letters as they are typed;
choosing not to see them nets you more
points. Scoring over 10,000 points,
which can be achieved when winning
with a typing speed of between 15 and
20, will result in the recommendation to
go on to the next lesson.

GPeative computing

SOFTWARE PROFILE
Name: MasterType
Type: Educational (typing tutorial)
System: Apple II+48K, Atari 32K,
IBM PC 64K

Format: Disk

Summary: Good introduction to
touch typing.

Price: $39.95
Manufacturer:

Lightning Software
P.O. Box 11725
Palo Alto, CA 94306
(415) 327-3280

For learning the keys, this is an ex¬
cellent program. For further practice,
though, it tends to be repetitious. I
found myself stuck on a plateau of
achievement, unable to achieve enough
points to earn the recommendation to go
on to the next lesson, and yet weary of
repeating the same words in the same or¬
der. Also, part of my skill was due to
having learned that lesson by rote,
rather than having really built up the
typing reflex. Although you can specify
your own lessons to ease this problem, I
preferred to go on to the Typing Tutor II
program.

The graphics in MasterType are quite
spectacular. Unfortunately, the program
is also very noisy, and I found typing
amidst the sound of the arcade rather
disconcerting. Perhaps the younger
generation finds this the ideal environ¬

210

ment, but I don’t. The sound can be
turned off, but I didn’t like the total
silence either.

Typing Tutor II

Typing Tutor II is a rather more sober
program than MasterType. It functions
in two modes, either to teach the keys,
or to provide practice in typing complete

SFADK,

<*-?!&
%) "Cf 1 * :-6

EL J

501928374/
Z X,CNBVMY
THGPQOWURI

; JLE J,EL
i LKE J;EL

ERRORS: 2 WORDS PER MINUTE: 26

CONTINUE DRILL
LEARN MORE KEYS
BUILD MORE SPEED
PRACTICE PARAGRAPH
PROGRESS REPORT
SELECT <1-5)

paragraphs. In either mode, it has the
remarkable feature of adapting the les¬
son or practice paragraph to your actual
performance. Thus, if the program de¬
tects that you are particularly slow or in¬
accurate on a certain letter, then that
letter will come up more often for
practice.

In the teaching mode, the program in¬
troduces a set of eight letters which must
be typed. The program measures re¬
sponse times on each key and classifies
them as fast or slow. Each letter which
achieves a “fast” rating is passed to a
special file to make way for new letters
to be introduced. A new set of letters for
typing, made up of previous letters not
yet classified as fast, plus new letters, is
then put on the screen. After you type
each set of letters, the program reports
the error rating and typing speed. No
allowance is made for achievements in
previous sessions, but the program
quickly catches up to your typing level.

Every ten sets of letters, the program

GPeative computing

SOFTWARE PROFILE
Name: Typing Tutor II
Type: Educational (typing tutorial)
System: Apple II,48K
Format: Disk

Summary: Excellent for building
speed and accuracy.

Price: $24.95

Manufacturer:

Microsoft Corporation
10700 Northup Way
Bellevue, WA 98004
(206) 828-8080

April 1983 ° Creative Computing

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Touch Type, continued...

allows you to adjust the response speed
for classifying keys as fast or slow. Using
this feature, the rate at which new keys
are introduced can be varied.

The paragraph practice mode can be
selected at any time. If selected after a
session in the teaching mode, paragraphs
will be made up from words using letters
being practiced. If selected at the begin¬
ning of the program, words using all
keys will be used. After each paragraph,
overall speed and accuracy are reported,
together with information on specific er¬

rors by key and a list of which keys are
slow. If another paragraph is requested,
it will be composed of words selected to
give more practice on keys judged to be
weak.

Whatever mode is selected, it is pos¬
sible to specify just letters, letters and
numbers, or all keys including symbols.

Overall, this is a first class program.
My only complaint is that it was a little
intimidating at the beginning, with new
letters being introduced rapidly. Al¬
though the rate at which letters are in¬

troduced can be controlled, I much
preferred to use the MasterType game to
learn specific keys at a rate totally under
my control.

Once the keys have been learned, Typ¬
ing Tutor II is excellent for building up
speed and accuracy. Although it uses a
fixed pool of words which are therefore
often repeated as in MasterType, they
are presented in varying orders and
combinations, and there is not the same
sense of repetition as with MasterType .

Planning Material To Be Typed

In general, it is not good to compose
at the keyboard without at least a rough
outline of what you want to write. To a
large extent, the advantage of touch typ¬
ing is lost if too much time is spent
sorting out thoughts at the keyboard.
Make notes first. These could be quite
extensive in the early stages, but will
probably be abbreviated as experience is
gained.

Typing Tutor II is
excellent for building
up speed and
accuracy.

Usually, I write notes on a subject as
they occur to me, more or less at ran¬
dom. Then I review the notes, putting
them in order, and filling in the gaps as
necessary. I then add subheadings to
break up the text, and perhaps refine the
notes a little more. Only then am I ready
to hit the keyboard.

Summary And General Hints

Touch typing is a skill well worth
acquiring if you plan to do much writing
with a word processor. The following
rules summarize the advice given here
on how to go about learning:

1. Get comfortable, so that you can
type in as relaxed a condition as
possible.

2. Adopt a methodical approach to
learning the keys and then building up
speed and accuracy. Use a self-teaching
book, or better, invest in one of the
teaching programs available for your
computer.

3. Once the keys are learned, con¬
stantly strive for higher speeds; accuracy
will develop naturally, but speed comes
only when you press.

4. Practice regularly each day, pref¬
erably at the same time so that it be¬
comes a habit.

5. Vary your regular practice material
with useful typing.

6. Sort out your thoughts on what to
type before going to the keyboard. □

l/iron PERSONAL
V IG^U COMPUTER

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CIRCLE 240 ON READER SERVICE CARD

212

April 1983 ° Creative Computing

COM-STAR F/T

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only

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• 40, 46, 66, 80, 96, or 132 characters per line spacing • Prints labels, letters, graphs, and tables
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Deluxe

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The Comstar Is an excellent addition to any
micro-computer system. (Interfaces are
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Pet, Atari 400 and 800, and Hewlett Packard) At
only $349. the Comstar gives you print quality
and features found only on printers costing
twice as much. Compare these features.

• VERTICAL FORMAT CONTROL: program¬
mable form length up to 127 lines, useful for
short or over-sized preprinted forms.

• FRICTION AND TRACTOR FEED: will accept
single sheet paper.

• 224 TOTAL CHARACTERS

• USES STANDARD SIZE PAPER

IMMEDIATE REPLACEMENT
WARRANTY

If your printer fails because of warranty defect
within 180 days from the date of purchase you
simply send your printer to us via United
Parcel Service prepaid. We will "immediately”
send you a replacement printer at no charge
via United Parcel Service prepaid. This warran¬
ty applies to all products we sell because WE
LOVE OUR CUSTOMERS!

• BI-DIRECTIONAL PRINTING with a LOGIC
SEEKING CARRIAGE CONTROL for higher
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characters per second.

• PRINTING VERSATILITY: standard 96 ASCII
character set plus block graphics and interna¬
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includes up to 224 characters.

• INTERFACE FLEXIBILITY: Centronics is
standard. Options include EIA RS232C, 20mA
Current Loop. (Add $20.00 for RS232)

• LONG LIFE PRINT HEAD; 100 million
character life expectancy.

• THREE SELECTABLE CHARACTER

PITCHES: • 10, 12 or 16.5 characters per inch.
132 columns maximum. Double-width font also
is standard for each character pitch.

• THREE SELECTABLE LINE SPACINGS: 6, 8

or 12 lines per inch.

• PROGRAMMABLE LINE FEED: program¬
mable length from 1/144 to 255/144 inches.

if you want more try —

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COMSTAR F n SUPER-10”
PRINTER - $449

For $449.00 you get all of the features of the
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WE HAVE THE LOWEST PRICES

We sell to customers and you save the profit
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15 DAY FREE TRIAL

OTHER OPTIONS

Extra Ribbons.$ 5.95

Roll Paper Holder.32.95

Roll Paper. 4.95

5000 Labels.19.95

1100 Sheets Fan Fold Paper.13.95

Add $20.00 shipping, handling and insurance.
Illinois residents please add 6% tax. Add
$40.00 for CANADA, PUERTO RICO, HAWAII,
ALASKA orders. WE DO NOT EXPORT TO
OTHER COUNTRIES. Enclose cashiers check,
money order or personal check. Allow 14 days
for delivery, 2 to 7 days for phone orders, 1
day express mail available!! Canada orders
must be In U.S. dollars.

ENTERPRIZES (FACTORY-DIRECT)

BOX 550, BARRINGTON, ILLINOIS 60010
Phone 312/382-5244 to order

COMSTAR F/T CIRCLE 239 ON READER SERVICE CARD

ABCDEFGH I JKLMNOPORSTUVWXYZabcdef «=.»-, i jkl mn

DPQr stuvwxv'E 1234567BVO

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ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQR8TUVWXYZ
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SUPER-10 1

Lyco Computer Marketing & Consultants

TO ORDER

CALL US

TOLL FREE 800-233-8760

In PA 1-717-398-4079

MARCH

ATARI

A Warnef Communications Company

810 DISK DRIVE.$419.00

NEC8023PRINTER... $449.00
PERCOM AT-88 DISK... $395.00
ATARI 400 __ _

64 K RAM CALLS SPECIALS

THIRD PARTY SOFTWARE

ONLINE

WIZARD & PRINCESS.$28.75

FROGGER.,. $26.75

CROSS FIRE.$34.75

BRODERBUND

CHOPLIFTER.$26.75

APPLE PANIC.$22.75

SERPENTINE.$26.75

STAR BLAZER.$24.75

CBS

KRAZY SHOOT.$31.75

K-STAR PATROL.$31.75

K-RAZY ANTICS.$31.75

K-RAZY KRITTERS.$31.75

AUTOMAT. SIMULATION

INVASION ORION.$20.75

TEMPLE OF ASPHAI.$28.75

STAR WARRIOR...$28.75

KING ARTHUR’S HEIR ..$23.75

RESCUE AT RIGEL.$23.75

DATA SOFT

PACIFIC HIGHWAY. . $24.75

CANYON CLIMBER. $24.75

CLOWNS AND BALLOONS. $24.75

MICRO PAINTER. $24.75

SANDS OF EGYPT. $24.75

EASTERN HOUSE

MONKEY WRENCH I.$39.75

MONKEY WRENCH II. $52.75

ALIEN GROUP

SAM . ... $45.75

VOICE BOX. $119.75

ADVENTURE INTER.

PREPPIE.$19.75

STRATOS.$24.75

SEA DRAGON.$24.75

IDSI

POOL 1.5. $25.75

POOL 400. $29.75

SPEEDWAY BLAST.$29.75

GAME STAR

STARBOWL FOOTBALL.$ CALL

BAJA BUGGY.$24.75

ROKLAND

WIZARD OF WAR.$24.75

GORF...$29.75

DELUX INVADER.$28.75

THORN EMI

SUBMARINE COMMANDER .. $35.75

JUMBO JET.$35.75

KICKBACK.$35.75

SOCCER.$35.75

SYNAPSE

SHAMUS.$24.75

SLIME.$24.75

BUSINESS SOFTWARE

LETTER PERFECT.$115.75

LETTER PERFECT (ROM).$1 59.75

DATA PERFECT.$75.75

TEXT WIZARD. $79.75

SPELL WIZARD. $64.75

FILE MANAGER 800+. $69.75

BIG 5

MINER 2049ER. $35.75

MONITORS

NEC JB1260. $125.

NEC JB1201.$155.

NEC TCI 201.$315.

AMDEK 300G.$159.

AMDEK COLOR I. . $329.

DESIGNER

TEE-SHIRT

$ 9.95

INHOME

400 KEY BOARD. $99.75

88888

Lyco Computer Marketing & Consultants

to ORDER TOLL FREE 800-233-8760

CALLUS In PA 1-717-398 4079 CIRCLE 205 ON READER SERVICE CARD

SPECIAL PURCHASE

DESIGNER TEE-SHIRT
with PURCHASE of

80048K RAM ... $489.00

ATARI

o A Warner Communications Company

ATARI HARDWARE

' 410 CASSETTE RECORDER ..

..$ 75.00 I

825 PRINTER.

..$585.00 1

830 PHONE MODEM.

..$149.00 1

J 850 INTERFACE.

..$164.00 1

PACKAGES

| CX482 EDUCATOR.

$119.00

1 CX483 PROGRAMMER.

$54.00

1 CX488 COMMUNICATOR.

$219.00

1 CX41 9 BOOKKEEPER.

$189.00

1 KX7104 ENTERTAINER.

$69.00

SOFTWARE

CXL401 2 MISSILE COMMAND

...$28.75

CXL401 3 ASTEROID.

...$28.75

CXL4020 CENTIPEDE.

...$32.75

CXL4022 PACMAN .

...$32.75

CXL4011 STAR RAIDER.

...$34.75

CXL4004 BASKETBALL.

...$26.75

CXL4006 SUPER BREAKOUT .

...$28.75

CXL4008 SPACE INVADER ....

...$28.75

CX81 30 CAVERNS OF MARS..

...$31.75

CX4108 HANGMAN.

...$12.75

CX41 02 KINGDOM .

...$12.75

CX4112 STATES &

CAPITALS.

...$12.75

CX41 14 EUROPEAN

COUNTRIES .

...$12.75

CX4109 GRAPHIT.

...$16.75

CX41 21 ENERGY CZAR.

..$12.75

CX41 23 SCRAM.

...$19.75

CX41 01 PROGRAMMING! ....

...$19.75

I CX4106 PROGRAMMING II....

...$22.75

CX41 17 PROGRAMMING III...

...$22.75

GLAXIAN.

- $32.75

DEFENDER.

• $32.75

JUGGLES.

• $23.75

SPEED READING.

• $55.75

CXL4007 MUSIC COMPOSER .

...$33.75

I CXL4002 ATARI BASIC

. . $45.75

CX81 26 MICROSOFT

I BASIC !.

$65.75

CXL4003 ASSEMBLER

EDITOR.

$45.75

CX81 26 MACRO

ASSEMBLER.

$69.75

CXL401 8 PILOT HOME.

$65.75

CX405 PILOT EDUCATOR.

$99.75

CX41 5 HOME FILING

MANAGER .

$41 75 I

CX414 BOOKKEEPER.

$119.75 1

NEW RELEASES

ATARI 1200

COMPUTER

THIRD PARTY SOFTWARE

EASTERN FRONT 1941 .

$25.50

OUTLAW/HOWITZER.

$15.50

WIZARD of WAR.

.$31.00

GORF.

$31.00

FROGGER.

$26.00

CHOP LIFTER.

$27.75

; APPLE PANIC.

$23.75

PREPPIE.

$19.95

STAR WARRIOR.

$28.00

CRUSH.CRUMBLE.&CHOMP ....

.$23.00

SHOOTING GALLERY.

$19.95

I VIDEO MATH FLASH.

$12.00

MY FIRST ALPHABET.

$25.50

BAHA BUGGIES.

$24.95

TEMPLE of ASPHAI.

$27.95

UPPER REACHES

of ASPHAI .

.$15.00

TRACK ATTACK.

$23.00

STAR BLAZER.

$25.00

LABYRINTH.

$23.00

SEA FOX.

$23.00

POOL 1.5.

$26.95

SPEEDWAY BLAST (ROM).

$29.95

QIX.

$34.75

ET.

$39.75

TIMEWISE.

$23.75

PROTECTOR.

$24.95

NAUTILUS .

$24.95

SLIME.

S24.95

SUBMARINE

COMMANDER (ROM).

$36.95

JUMBO JET

PILOT (ROM).

$36.95

SOCCER (ROM).

$36.95

KICKBACK (football ROM).

$36.95

POLICY

I In-Stock items shipped within 24 hours of order. Personal
I checks require four weeks clearance before shipping. No
I deposit forCOD orders. PA residentsadd salestax. All products
I subject to availability and price change. Advertised prices
I show 4% discount offered for cash. Add 4 0 t, for Mastercard and
I Visa.

PRINTERS

PROWRITER I.$479.00

PROWRITER II.$ CALL

OKIDATA 82A. $419.00

OKIDATA 83A. $639.00

OKIDATA 84.$1029.00

OKIDATA TRACTOR.$63.00

NEC 8023A.$449.00

SMITH CORONA. $589.00

STARWRITER.$1475.00

PRI NTMASTER. $1675 .00

PERCOM

SINGLE DRIVE (SD).$399.00

SINGLE DRIVE (DD).$549.00

DUAL DRIVE (DD).$869.00

DUAL HEAD (DD).$669.00

FLOPPY DISKS

MAXELL MDI.$34.00 I

MDII .$44.00

ELEPHANT.$21.00

BASF.$19.00

CASSETTES (3).$3.75

DISK LIBRARY CASES.$5.75

Book of ATARI

Software
(346 pages) .. $19.95

MEMORY

32K RAM .$79.00

48K RAM.$ CALL

64K RAM.$ CALL

TO ORDER
CALL TOLL FREE

800-233-8760

|In PA 1-71 7 398-4079
or send order to
Lyco Computer
P.o. Box 5088
I Jersey Shore. PA 177401

Logo Ideas

Robert Lawler

Getting off the Garden Path

Some problems are terribly difficult because they tempt you
to set up your description in an unproductive way—and lead
you that way down a dead end path to useless fretting. Here’s a
good example of such a problem, one that you might run into
at a party:

You need people who are willing to work at the problem as
couples. You need string and a little ability to tie knots. Here’s
what you do. Take one string and tie it loosely around the
wrists of one “victim.” (Leave about two feet of string between
the wrists.) The circle of string, arms and body forms the first
loop. Pass the second string through the first victim’s loop and
tie each end loosely around the wrist of the partner. Passing the
second string through the first victim’s loop made the loops
interlocking. The puzzle is how these two victims can separate
without cutting the string or untying the knots.

Your victims might get angry if you don’t help them solve the
problem. Maybe you should try it yourself before imposing on
anyone else.

Most everybody sees the string, arms and body as forming a
loop. This is what puts them on the dead end of the garden
path. After they have been told it’s illegal to slip the string loop
off the end of their arms from around the wrists, they fre¬
quently try all sorts of contortions to get free, then give up.
Have you given up yet? Do you see how to solve the problem?

A critical question to ask here is “what can I really count
on?” Note that if the arms, body and string really do form a
loop the problem can not be solved. That whole way of looking
at the problem must be wrong. Next notice that the places

Robert Lawler, Centre Mondial Informatique Et Resources Humaines, Paris, France.

where there might be a break in the loop can’t be between the
body and arms; it has to be at the wrists. There are four wrists,
but if you can get the string past one of them the problem is
solved. Focus on one wrist and try to think of a different way of
seeing the problem. I think of it as being like the picture below:

The first string and loop go around the wrist at one end and
then off somewhere else. The problem is now to get the second

string out from under the first. It’s easy, isn’t it: through the
loop, over the fist and down on the outside. This sort of prob¬
lem can only be solved after you get off the garden path.

Summary

1. When you have a difficult problem, it can be very im¬
portant to ask yourself, “what can I really count on in the way
I am describing the problem?”

2. A second good question, when you are looking for a new

way to describe a problem is “What is the point at which there
is something unusual or unclear?” Focus your attention on that
point. □

216

April 1983 0 Creative Computing

THE MICRO COMPUTER RUSINESS
WILL GROW FROM $10 TO $100 BILLION
IN THE NEXT EIGHT YEARS!

ARE YOU READY TO CASH IN?

The micro computer business is predicted to grow from its present S10 billion to $100 billion before 1990! Imagine the
possibilities this opens for you! No matter where you live, if you’re starting up or presently in business, no other industry offers
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one place - THE COMPUTER ENTREPRENEUR MANUAL! - An immense information source, compiled by our inquisitive research
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We present the inside story of more than 100 lucrative computer businesses you can enter, where you’ll find the real
opportunities for the eighties: from one man operations like Programming Author, Word Processing Center or Consulting, to
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How to start, Capital needs, Profit estimates and Margins, How to Sell and Market, How missing technical or business
experience need not stand in your way, Source of Suppliers, etc! Details that could take years to find out on your own!

We ll show you inside tricks, like how to never again pay retail for computer products and consumer electronics, even for
one item - right now, while you’re starting your business! How to get free merchandise and trade show invitations, etc. This alone
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EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
TO SUCCEED IN THE COMPUTER BUSINESS
IS ALL IN THIS MANUAL!

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These are some of the 100-plus businesses covered in PART ONE of the manual, with the
facts on How to start and run, Start-up Cost ( Even how to operate on a shoestring ), What profits
to expect, Wholesale prices. Mark-ups. Suppliers, future outlook, case histories for each, etc:

Systems House. Software Author ( who to sell to and who to avoid ). Service Bureau. Soft¬
ware Publisher ( Howto find programs that sell, Word Processing Service. Consulting and Con¬
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Bartering. Mail Order. Compile and rent mailing lists, Specialized Data Headhunting and Temp Help Service. Tech Writer Shop, Custom Engineering. The
highly profitable Seminars and Training Business, and many more!

Many new ideas and ground floor opportunities! Interviews and success stories on companies of all sizes! Privy info on the profits made: How some
computer store operators net $100 - $250,000! Little known outfits that made their owners millionaires, one of these low-key companies, making simple boards,
went from nil to $20,000,000 and 100 employees in four years! Programmers that make $300,000, Thousands of micro millionaires in the making, etc!

Whatever your goal is - Silicon Valley Tycoon, or just a business at home - we guarantee you'll find a business to suit you - or your money back!

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financing, The mistakes you must avoid, How to hire and manage employees. Incorporation ( when, and how to do it cheaply ), Surviving bad times. Record
Keeping, how to estimate your market before you start, Use multiple locations to maximize profits, how to promote and stay steps ahead of the competi¬
tion! How to get free advertising, free merchandise, free advice, Power negotiating with suppliers to double your profit margins, etc! Even how to keep a
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Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of this great industry - the next success story could be your own! Order the manual today! Part one and two,
bound in a deluxe ring binder, where you can also collect our newsletter ( free for six months with the manual - a $32.50 value! ) - all for only $29.95!

THE COMPUTER ENTREPRENEUR NEWSLETTER -
ALL THE LATEST INSIDE RUSINESS NEWS!

NOW! SIX MONTHS FREE WITH YOUR MANUAL!

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manual kept up-to-date, with our newsletter! Each issue has
the latest business news, ideas, new suppliers, our in-
dispensible "watchdog” column on profits, discounts

( don't miss mfg's promos, like recently, when top video moni¬
tor sold at $80 - that's half wholesale, one third of the retail
price! ), the competition, the big deals, etc! Feature stories
with start-up info and case histories on new micro busi¬
nesses!

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the usage of our advisory service and our discount buying
service for your purchases!

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you the cost of your manual many times over!

Order by phone (Credit cards only), or use the coupon:

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= Mail to THE COMPUTER ENTREPRENEUR PUBLISHING CO.

= PO BOX 456, Grand Central Station, New York, N.Y. 10163
S Please send me THE COMPUTER ENTREPRENEUR
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( c) 1982. THE COMPUTER ENTREPRENEUR

CIRCLE 147 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Simulated Circuits

SERIES AND PARALLEL SCREEN

II Ah AD » HI m 'll m

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R1 = 100 OHMS R2 = 100 OHMS R3 = 50 OHMS EMF = 12 VOLTS

_ Paw'd A. Holko _

Physics teachers sometimes have difficulty setting up elec¬
trical equipment for labs. Faulty meters, short wires, dead bat¬
teries, power supplies without fuses, loose connections, and
wrong size resistors are just some of the reasons for the
difficulty.

The following program simulates circuits for experiments on
series, parallel, and parallel-series resistance circuits.

Using a graphic representation of the circuit, meters, and
resistors the student can conduct measurements of voltage and
amperage by keying changes in the values of resistance or
source EMF. The computer shows corresponding changes on
the symbolic circuit.

Figures 1, 2, and 3 show the circuits drawn by the computer
on the video display.

David A. Holko, 642 N. River Dr. #102, Stuart, FL 33494.

In Figure 1, three asterisks are shown below the EMF =12
VOLTS. As the computer runs the program, the asterisks will
appear sequentially below Rl, R2, R3, and EMF. If the I key is
depressed while they are as shown in Figure 1, the source volt¬
age is increased. If the D key is depressed, the source voltage is
decreased.

Once a change has been made in resistance or voltage the
simulated meters will show related changes.

Note: To avoid errors caused by division by zero, the values
Rl = 100 ohms, R2 = 100 ohms, and EMF = 12 volts are as¬
signed if Rl, R2, or EMF are changed to zero or less.

I hope these simulations stir some of your own ideas for
other simulations. These simulations will simplify your labs,
and allow your students to spend less frustrating time in the
lab. They will also allow them more time to analyze circuit
characteristics.

If nothing else, with this program, you can be sure your stu¬
dents won’t be electrocuted or blow a fuse. □

218

April 1983 £ Creative Computing

GREAT PROGRAMS
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Circuits, continued

1 CLEAR380«CLSSPRINT"CIRCUIT SIMUL ATION"* PRINT"UERSION 3.0"tPRINT“WRITTEN BV DAU
ID A- HOLKO”sPRINT:PRINTS PRINT

2 CC*STRINGC<63, M ">sBC*"##.##"sPRINT"1 PARALLEL RESISTANCE CIRCUIT"3PRINT"2 SER
IES RESISTANCE CIRCUIT"!PRINT"3 PARALLEL $, SERIES RESISTANCE CIRCUIT"iPRINTiPRIN
T3 PRINT"CHOOSE CIRCUIT TVPE"? sINPUTXsCLSs0NXG0TG3,26,39«CLSlGOTG2

3 F0RT=lT08s READ A,B,C,D

4 FORX=ATOB s SET <X,C > sSET < X, D > INEXTX

5 NEXTTs SET<39, 6> 3 SET<39, 35 >

6 DATA 23,36,11,18,41,54,11,18,28,31.24,29,46,49,24,29

7 DATA 7,20,23,38,57,70,23,38,67,98,2,9,110,123,2,9
3 FORX=10TO36s SET<116,X>* NEXTX

9 FORT*1TO15s READ A,B,C,DsFORX-ATOBtSET<C,X>sSET<D,X>*NEXTX,T

10 DATA 7,11,30,48,19,23,38,48,30,34,30,48

11 DATA 21,22,15,64,31,32,15,64,11,18,23,36,11,18,41,54,23,30,7,20,23,30,57,70,2
4,29,28,29,24,29,30,31,24,29,46,47,24,29,43,49,2.9,67,98,2,9,110,123

12 FORT * 1T09* READ A,B,CiFORX*ATOBsSET<X,C>3NEXTX,T

13 DATA 39,67,5,30,43,7,16,30,21,48,63,21,30,48,34,39,116,36,90,110,5

14 DATA 16,29,32,49,63,32

15 FORT*1T08:READA,A* t PRINT8A, AC 11 NEXTT

16 DATA 121,EMF, 99, TOTAL AMPH269, AMPS,278, AMPS, 517, UGLT-6, 542, MOLTS, 528, <R1,596, R

17 IFR1<«0ORR2< =0ORUT<*0 THENR1*100s R2=100 s UT*12 s GOTO17ELSEU1=UT s U2*UT s RT=R1*R2/
<Rl«fR2>s IT*UT/RT«-U1*UT3^12 =UTs 11*U1/R1: I2*U2/R2« PRINTS896, CCS

18 PRINTS) 165,""? sPRINTUSINGBC?IT? sPRINTS530,""? sPRINTUSING"####"?U1? sPRINTS605,"
"3 sPRINTUSING"####"?U2? SPRINT8332,""?:PRINTUSINGBC?II? sPRINT3341,""? «PRINTUSINGB
C?12? 3PRINT8184,""5 SPRINTUSING"###"?UT?

19 PRINT3896,"R1 = "?R1?" OHMS"?

20 PRINTS920,"R2 = "?R2?" OHMS"?

21 PRINTS940,"EMF * "?UT?" UOLTS"?

22 FORX=lTO50s PRINTS965,IsAC*INKEVC«IFLEN<AC>*0THEN3PRINT3965," "3 s NEXTXE

LSEIFAC*"I"THENR1*R1+10s G0T022ELSEIFAC*"D"THENR1=R1-10 s G0T022

23 FORX*1TO50s PRINT3988,"*♦*"? s AC*INKEVCsIFLEN < AC > «0THENPRINT3988," "? s NEXTXEL

SEIFAC*"I"THENR2=R2+10 8 G0T023s ELSEIFAC*"D"THENR2-R2-10 s G0T023

24 FORX*1TO501PRINTS1008,"***"?sAC*INKES'CiIFLEN<AC>»0THENPRINTS1008," "? 3NEXTX

ELSEIFAC*"I"THENUT»UT+11 sG0T024ELSEIFAC="D"THENUT*VT-1sG0T024ELSE

25 GOTO17

26 FORX*1TO135 3 READXC s NEXTX s CLS s FORX*1T06 s READN,NC« PRINTSN,NCiNEXTX

27 DATA 95,TOTAL AMP,122,EMF,407,R1,424,R2,534,UOLTS,551,UOLTS

28 FORX*1TO14 8 READA,B,C « FORV-ATOB s SET < C,V > «NEXTV,X

29 DATA 2,9,60,2,9,82,2,9,111,2,9,126,10,15,119,7,15,30,17,25,35,17,25,63,17,25,
69,17,25,96,24,29,41,24,29,56,24,29,75,24,29,98

30 FORX*1TO19 r READA,B,C 3 FORV*ATOBiSET < V,C > sNEXTV,X

31 DATA 30,59,6,82,111,6,111,126,2,111,126,9,60,82,2,60,82,9,30,119,16,38,59,15,
38,59,17,72,93,15,72,93,17,35,41,26,41,56,23,41,56,30,56,63,26,69,75,26,90,96,26
,75,90,23,75,90,38

220

April 1983 c Creative Computing

[ ^cippkzpk ATARI

Apple IS Apple Cor-ijwj’fr

T apple® COMPATIBLE COMPUTER^ ??®J5f $, A J.: ' ', - ‘ ' ' ' '

AN ECONOMICAL ALTERNATIVE

SYSCOM 2
$699

DISK DRIVES

MICRO-SCI RANA

A2 (w/cont) .$369 Elite I (w/cont).$399

A40(w/cont) .$435 Elite II (w/cont) $539

A70 (w/cont) .$555 Elite III (w/cont).$679

FOURTH Super (w/cont).$385

APPLE SOFTWARE

ARTSCI

Magic Window.$65

Magic Window II.$99

Magic Words.$45

AVANT GARDE

ZeroGrav. Pinball.$20

Hi-Res Golf .$20

Hi-Res Secrets.$82

BEAGLE BROS.

Dos Boss.$17

Alpha Plot .$28

Utility City .$21

Tip Disk #1 .$15

Apple Mechanic .$21

Pronto Dos.$21

ONLINE

Screenwriter.$89

Wiz & Princess.$22

Mystery House ...$17

Time Zone .$65

Maurauder .$24

Frogger.$23

Cannonball Blitz.$23

Screenwriter Prof.$135

QUALITY

Bag of Tricks.$27

Ali Baba & 40Thieves .$22

SENSIBLE SOFTWARE

Sensible Speller .$85

_ Super Disk Copy III.$21

£ lexText . Multi Disk Catalog .$18

^ ram |Up. SIRTECH

. Wizardry.$35

BRODERBUND KniohtofDia.$24

Choplifter.$23 SOFTWARE PUBLISH.

Star Blazer .$22 PFS: Report.$65

Davids Midnight .$23

Apple Panic.$20

Alien Rain.$17

Arcade Machine .$41

CONTINENTAL

Home Accountant.$52

1st Class Mail .$53

DATAMOST

Snack Attack .$21

Swashbuckler.$23

EDUWARE

Spelling Bee w/Read ... $27

Alg. 1,2 or3.$27

Rendevous.$27

Prisoner II.$23

HAYDEN SOFTWARE

Sargon II. $25

Piewriter.$95

INFOCOM

PFS: Filing .$87

PFS: Graph.$87

SPINNAKER

Snooper T roops #.$29

Snooper Troops #2 .$29

Story Machine .$23

Face Maker.$23

STONEWARE

D.B. Master.$158

D.B. Master Util #1 .$70

Graphics Proc. Sys.$46

STRATEGIC SIM.

Computer Baseball .$27

Cytron Masters.$27

Guadalcanal .$42

Galactic Gladiators ....$27

Battle of Shiloh.$27

Tigers In Snow.$27

Cosmic Balance.$27

Zork I, II or III .$27 Computer Qrtrback.$27

Starcross.$27 SUBLOGIC

Deadline.$34 Flight Simulator .$25

INSOFT Space Viking.$34

Graforth II.$50 Saturn Navigator.$24

Electric Duet.$20 SYNERGISTIC

LOTUS Atlantis.$27

Exec. Brief Sys.$126 Global Prog. Line Ed. ..$44

MICROSOFT VISICORP

Basic Compiler.$270 Visiterm.$72

Multiplan .$190 Visicalc3.3.$175

Olympic Decathalon ... $20 MISCELLANEOUS

MUSE Bandits.$23

Robot War.$27 Human Fly .$21

Castle Wolfenstein .$20 Master Type.$27

PENGUIN New Step by Step.$57

Graphic Magician.$42 Sam (w/DAC).$83

Comp. Graphics Sys. .. $49 Ultima.$27

^Special Effects.$29 Zoom Gra phics.$27

PRINTERS

NEC

CITOH

Prowriter .$439

Prowriter II .$649

Starwriter .$1379

Printmaster.$1599

GEMIN110
GEMIN115

8023 A-C .$465

3510 .$1375

3530 .$1595

3550(IBM) .$1829

7710/7730 .$2319

SMITH CORONA . . . $589
AXIOM GP-1 00 .$269

.. $375
.. $485

MONITORS

NEC

12" GRN (JB1260) . . . $115
12" GRN (JB1201M) .$155
12" Color Composite $329
12" Color RGB .$689

AMDEK

V300 .$139

V310 (GRN-IBM) .... $169
V310-A (Amber-IBM) . $169

COLOR I .$309

COLOR II.$650

USI (Amber).$169

MODEMS

HAYES NOVATION

Micromodem II .$269 Apple-Cat II.$299

Stack Smartmodem . $215 212 Apple-Cat .$589

Smartmodem 1200 ..$519 D-Cat .$155

ANCHOR AUTOMATION Signalman I or II .$79

ACCESSORIES

Wico(Joy).$23 Wico(T-Ball).$49 A

$495

NEW64KATAR11200 .CALL

RAMDISK (128K) .$378

BIT 3-80 COL BOARD .$279

400 KEYBOARD (In Home) .$95

810 DISK DRIVE .. $419 32K RAM (Mosaic) $99

410 RECORDER.$74 32K RAM (Intec) $69

850 INTERFACE . $164 32K MICROTEK.$75

400 COMPUTER .... $219 48K (lntec/400) .... $129

Entertainer .$66 Educator .$112

Communicator .$298 Programmer .$52

Single Density Master.$399

Double Density Master.$539

Double Density Dual.$859

Dbl Sided Dbl Density Master .$659

Dbl Sided Dbl Density Dual.$949

ADVENTURE INT’L

Rear Guard (D) .$17

Adv. 1-12 each (C) .$18

Preppie (C/D).$20

Diskey (D).$33

APX

Eastern Front (C/D) .$23

Fam. Cash Flow (D).$17

747 Land Sim. (C/D) .$17

ATARI INC.

Fig-Forth (C).$30

Galaxian.$32

Defender ....a.$32

ET.$36

Microsoft Basic (D) .$65

Macro Ass. & Edit. (D) . $65
Assembler Editor (R) ... $45

Basic Cartridge (R).$45

Pac Man (R).$32

Centipede (R).$32

Caverns of Mars (D).$28

Missile Command (R).. $27

Star Raiders (R).$32

Conv. Lang. Ea. (C).$44

Music Composer (R).... $31

Super Breakout (R) .$27

My First Alphabet (D) .. $26

Prog. 2 & 3 (ea.)(C).$21

Word Processor (D) ... $107

Pilot (Educ).$98

Touch Typing (C) .$19

Home File Mngr(D) .$37

AUTOMATED SIMUL.

Monster Maze (R).$27

Invasion Orion (C/D) .... $18
Temple of Aps.(C/D) .... $28

Star Warrior (C/D) .$28

Dragon’s Eye(D).$20

Crush Crumble (C/D) ... $20
AVALON HILL

Empire of Over (D) .$23

B-1 Nuc. Bomber (C).... $12
BRODERBUND

Apple Panic (C/D) .$20

Star Blazer .$22

Choplifter(D) .$23

DATA SOFT

Text Wizard 11(D) .$65

Graphics Gen. (D).$17

Basic Compiler (D) .$65

Zaxxon (C/D) .$28

EDU-WARE

Compu-Read (D) .$21

Compu-Math Fr. (D).$28

Compu-Math Dec. (D).. $28

INFOCOM

Zork 1,11 or III (D).$27

Starcross.$27

Deadline (D) .$34

JV SOFTWARE

Action Quest (C/D) .$20

Ghost Encount. (C/D) .. $20

KBYTE

Krazy (each) .$34

LJK

Letter Perfect (D).$104

Data Perfect (D) .$74

ONLINE

Wiz & Princess (D) .$22

Crossfire (C/D) .$20

Frogger (C/D) .$23

Ultima 1(D) .$27

Ultima 11(D) .$39

Jawbreaker (C/D) .$21

Crossfire (R).$28

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Max-65 (D) .$58

Basic A + (D).$58

ROKLAN

Gorf (D).$27

Gorf (R) .$30

Wizard of Wor (D).$27

Wizard of Wor (R).$30

SIRIUS

Space Eggs (D) .$20

Sneakers (D).$20

Way Out (D).$27

Bandits (D) .$23

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SPINNAKER

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Snooper Troops #2 (D). $30

Storm Machine (D).$23

Face Maker (D).$23

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Shattered Alliance (D). $28
Tigers In Snow (C/D) .... $28
Battle of Shiloh (C/D) ..$28
Battle of Norm. (C/D) ... $27
Galactic Gladiator (D) .$27

Cytron Masters (D) .$27

SYNAPSE SOFTWARE

File Mngr 800+ .$65

Protector II .$23

Shamus(C/D).$23

Nautilus (C/D) .$23

Claim Jump (C/D).$23

THORN EMI

Jumbo Jet (R).$34

Submarine Comm. (R) . $34
MISCELLANEOUS

Ali Baba(D) .$22

Miner 2049er(R).$35

Kid Grid (C/D).$20

Pool 1.5(D) .$23

Raster Blaster (D).$20

Sam (D).$41

Galactic Chase (C).$17

Warlocks Revenge (D). $24

Visicalc(D).$169

3-D Supergraph (C/D) ..$29

Starbase Hyp(D) .$17

Pogo Man (C/D).$27

Airstrike (C/D) .$28

Sammy Sea Serp. (C)... $13
Pinball (D).$20

IBM P/C COMPATIBLES - CALL

IBM ACCESSORIES

MICROSOFT

64K RAM .$255

256K RAM .$629

64K RAM Chip Set.$135

AMDEK

Color II.$650

Color III .CALL

3" Drives.$689

V310GRN.$169

NEC

Color RGB (JC1203)... $689
3550 Printer.$1829

MICROTEK

64K W/Parity .$235

128K W/Parity .$345

192K W/Parity .$449

256K W/Parity .$559

PERCOM

SS/DD External Drv ... $319
DS/DD External Drv ... $379

5M Hard Disk .$1849

10M Hard Disk.$2250

IBM Joystick (TG).$44

IBM Joystick (Kraft) .... $48

IBM SOFTWARE

Visicalc (256K).$169

Easywriter II.$209

Home Acct. Plus.$95

1st Class Mail.$85

Wordstar .$299

Mail Merge.$75

Spellstar.$125

Supercalc.$179

Exec. Acct. Sys.$489

Tax Manager.$159

T.I.M. Ill.$299

Money Decisions.$132

Desktop Plan I .$199

Data Reporter.$159

Visitrend/Plot.$199

Visidex .$169

Vislfile.$199

Visischedule.$199

Peachtree 4 .CALL

Zork I, II, III .$27

Starcross.$27

Deadline.$34

Temple of Apshai.$27

Frogger.$23

Snooper Troop I.$29

Snooper Troop II.$29

commodore

r VIC 64

CALL

VIC 20.$177 1530 RECORDER $59

1541 DISKDRIVE . . CALL 1600 MODEM .$87

1525 PRINTER CALL 16K RAM .$88 j

COMPUTERS

802

TELEVIDEO

. $2595 802 H .$4445

64K RAM

780 KB Disk Storage
Word Processor
Ultracalc CP/M
C-Basic Software

EAGLE II .$2329

EAGLE IV (10M Byte Hard Disk) . $4299

NEC

PC-8001 Computer.$709

PC-8012 I/O Unit .$469

PC-8031 (Dual Drive).$709

NORTH STAR

Advantage .$2595

Advantage (5M Byte H.D.) .$3799

TRS-80

JvlOD III (2 Drvs, 48K).$1649

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CIRCLE 156 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Circuits, continued

32 IFR1< =0ORR2<=0ORUT< =0THENR1 = 100!R2=100:UT=10:G0T032ELSERT=R1+R21 IT=UT^RTI Ml»R
14ITaU2=R24ITaPRINT®896,C*l

33 PRINT®161,""5 I PRINTUSING"#.####"»ITlaPRINT3186,""I a PRINTUSING"###"IUTlI PRINT®
598,""!aPRINTUSINGB*lUllaPRINT®615,“"!!PRINTUSINGB*IM2l

34 PRINT3896,"R1 = "«Rll" OHMS"5 IPRINT9920."R2 = “IR2I" OHMS 11 1 a PRINT8940»"EMF =

"IUTI" MOLTS"I

35 FORX.-1TO50SPRINT3965, "444"| aA*=INKEV*a IFLEN<A*>-0THENPRINT®965, " " I • NEXTXEL

SEIFA*="I"THENR1=R1+10:G0T035ELSEIFA*=”D"THENR1=R1-10IG0T035

36 FORX=lTO50tPRINT3988,"444"!aA*=INKEV*aIFLEN<A*> =0THENPRINT3988," "?:NEXTXEL

SEIFA*="I"THENR2=R2+10!G0T036ELSEIFA$="D"THENR2-R2-10:GOT036

37 FORX=1TO50!PRINT®1008,"***"5aA*=INKEV*aIFLEN<A*>=0THENPRINT®1008," "IINEXTX
ELSEIFA*="I"THENMT-MT+1!GOT037ELSEIFA*="D"THENMT-UT-1IG0T037

38 G0T032

39 FORX=lT0246!READX#aNEXTXl

40 FORX= 1T053 1 RE ADA, B, Ca FORV-ATOBI SET< C , V > a NEXTV,X

41 DATA 3,9,18,3,9,33,3,9,98,3,9,99.4,7, 101,4.7,182,3,9,104,3,9,105,4,7,107,4,7.

108,3,9,118,3,9,111,4,7,113.4,7,114,3,9,116,3,9.117,4,7,119,4,7.120,5.16,125,16,30, 121

42 DATA 26,33,115,26,33,108,24,29,94.20,27,89,20,27,76.24,29,72,30,38,66,35,38.3
0,33.35,35,33,35.25,26,33,43,26,33,32,26,33.29.26.33.18,14,21.61. 14, 21,48,14,21.13, 14,21,0

43 DATA 12,14,55,12.14,35,12,14,25,12,14,6.21,23,55,21,26,35.21.26,25,21,23,6,15
,20,36,15,20,35,15.20,34,15,20,26,15,20,25,15,20.24,9,11,30

44 FORX-1T0311READA,B,C«FORV-ATOBa SET< V,C> «NEXTV,X

45 DATA 18,33,2.18,33.9,33.97,5,121,125,5.121,125,16.116,121,38,180,115,26,100.1
15,33,66,99,30,89,93,24,72,76,24,76.89,20,76,89,27

46 DATA 74,89,29,74.89,31,30.66,38,25.35,35,18,29,33,18,29,26,32,43,26,33.55,12,
35,35,23,32,43,26,6,24,12,6.24,23,25,35,11.0,12,14,0,12,21,48,60,14,48,60,21,33,43,33

47 FORX=1TO11!READN,N* a PRINT9N.N4 11 NEXTX

48 DATA 245.EMF,628,AMPS.321,MOLTS,345,MOLTS,586,AMPS,593.AMPS,487,MOLTS,75,AMPS
,339.<R2,329,R1>,744,R3

49 IFR1< =0ORR2< =80RR3<»0ORMT< =0THENR1 = 100a R2-100a R3-30!MT-12a G0T049ELSERE-R1*R2^

<R1+R2>aRT=RE+R3aIT=MT-'RTaM3=IT*R3aM2=MT-M3aMl-M2aIl-Ml^RlaI2-M2/R2*PRINT8896,C* a

50 PRINT3138,a PRINTUSING"##.###“IITlaPRINTS385,”"I aPRINTUSIN0B4»M1 1 aPRINT0409
,""5 a PRINTUSINGB4IU2I a PRINT9650 .""1 a PRINTUSING"#,##"a 11J * PRINT0637,■"»aPRINTUSIN
G"#.##”»I2S a PRINT3551,“"It PRINTUSINGB*I M3 aaPRINT®691,"“la PRINTUSING"##.###"IITl

51 PRINT9896,"Rl = "IR11"OHMS"I aPRINT9911,"R2-"IR2I"OHMS"lIPRINT3926,"R3-"lR3l"OHM
S"lIPRINT9941,”EMF="lMTl“MOLTS"!

52 FORX=lTO50a PRINT9965,"444"nA*=INKEV4IIFLEN<A*>=0THENPRINT®965," "la NEXTXEL
SEIFA*="I"THENR1=R1 +10 a G0T052ELSEIFA*-“D"THENR1=R1-10a G0T052

53 FORX=lTO50t PRINT3980, "444" a a a*=INKEV*iIFLEN<A»>= 0THENPRINT®980,* “I aNEXTXEL

SEIFA*="I"THENR2=R2+10 a G0T053ELSEIFA*-“D"THENR2-R2-10a G0T053

54 FORX=lTO50s PRINT9995.“444“iaA*-INKEV*iIFLEN<A#>=0THENPRINT®995.“ “I a NEXTXEL

SE IF A*= •• I •• THENR3=R3+10 a 60T054ELSEIF A*- “D" THENR3-R3-10 • G0T054

55 FORX=lTO50aPRINT31010,"4*4"a aA*-INKEV*aIFLEN<A*>-0THENPRINT®1010," "I»NEXTX

ELSEIFA*="I"THENMT-MT+1 a G0T055ELSEIFA*=“D"THENMT-MT-1 a G0T055

56 G0T049

FRANKLIN

SPECIAL LOW-PRICE PACKAGES

I. ACE 1000.S 950

II. I wYACE 10 Drive & Acewriter

51340

III. II w/Green Monitor.$1395

IV. II w/RGB & Interface.$1840

EPSON SANYO

HX-20 ...$ 675 MBC1000 $1679

QX-10... SCALL COLUMBIA DATA

KAY PRO II .$1699 .$CALL

EAGLE 1610 $3297 BASIS 108. SCALL
TELEVIDEO DEC

802.$2720 Rainbow .$2900

MORROW DESIGNS

DECISION I.$1315

MICRO DECISION w/2 Drives . .$1395
MICRO DECISION w/2 Drive & CRT

.$1895

ALSO CALL for our low prices on NEC,
NORTHSTAR & ALTOS Computers.

VISTA. 0ISKDRIVES .$249

RANA Elite I.$275

QUENTIN.$290

FOURTH DIMENSION.$259

DARK HORSE?

MONITORS

AMDEK

Video 300 .$139

Color-I (Composite).$310

Color-Ill (RGB) .$380

TAXAN

RGB Vision I.$350

RGB Vision III.$590

SANYO

12" Green.$130

13" Color (Composite).. .$370
USI

PI-2 (12" Green).$159

PI-3 (12" Amber) .$179

NEC JB 1201M (12" Green) .5153

MODEMS

HAYES

Micromodem II.S279

Smartmodem 300 .$215

Smartmodem 1200 .S529

NOVATION

CAT.$145

D-CAT.$154

ANCHOR

Mark I.$ 85

PRINTERS

EPSON

MX-80F/T III.$499

MX-100 w/Graftrax... SCALL

FX-80.$ 589

IDS

Microprism.$ 539

Prism 80 "Loaded”_$1299

Prism 132 ''Loaded” .. .$1465
STAR MICR0NICS

Gemini-10.$ 379

Gemini-15.$ 489

C-IT0H

Prowriter I .$415

Prowriter II.$ 625

Printmaster.$1599

0KIDATA

Microline 82A.$ 415

Microline 83A.$ 639

Microline 92A.$ 585

Microline 93A.$1015

DAISYWRITER

i^nn sinnn

2000 (48K Buffer)!!!!.! $1013
NEC 3510 .$1495

FIRM & SOFTWARE

ALS

Z-Card.$199

Smarterm.$265

MICROSOFT

Premium System.$495

Softcard.$239

Multiplan .$195

VIDEX

Videoterm.$249

Enhancer II.$119

Softswitch.$ 25

ORANGE MICRO Grappler + $119
PROMETHEUS Graphatti.. .$ 95
VISIC0RP

VisiCalc.$185

VisiFile (For Apple).$185

VisiFile (For IBM) .$230

SILICON VALLEY SYSTEMS

Word Handler.$139

List Handler.$ 62

MICROPRO

MailMerge .$79

WordStar.$250

ASHTON-TATE dBase II ...$475

Z (CP/M) Card.$150

80 Column Card.$189

SAMW00 MONITORS*

B r\ r> I

9" (18 MHz): 12" (12 MHz):

Green.... $110 Green.... $115

Amber... $115 Amber... $119

DEALER PRICING AVAILABLE

Comparable to Beckman (TECH 310)'!!
Better than Fluke (8022B)!!!!!!

• 0.1% ACC • 2000 hr Bat: Life

• 200mV ~ 1000 V # 200 Q~20M-

• 200 /yA 10 A • HI. LOW O

$3.00 Phone credit for over $300 order.
VISA, MC. Money Order, Checks Honored.

GEN. TECH.

15 Exeter St., Prov., Rl 02906

Tel. (401) 273-2420, 274-0330
Mon.-Sat. 9 to 9. Call 274-8829 for Catalog.

TWX 710-381-0479
7 days 24 hours

CIRCLE 176 ON READER SERVICE CARD

222

April 1983 ° Creative Computing

//. -

L S 0 F T

Personal— Entertainment— Business

SOFTWARE

CftCS4ft

Low Discount Prices / 15% to 25% Discount off List Price
Fast Convenient Service / We ship same or next day
Large Selection of Software / Call or Write for our FREE Catlog!

We have all the latest
software— ASK US!

ATARI, IBM PC, CP/M
send for
FREE catalog!

Call Toll Free: ( 800 ) 423-5290 In California: ( 213 ) 991-9641

DC? A S'I C* USt ° Uf

BEAGLE Price Price

DOS Boss. 24.00 20.40

Utility City. 29.50 25.05

Apple Mechanic. 29.50 25.05

Pronto DOS . NEW.. 29.50 25.05

Flex Text . NEW.. 29.50 25.05

BRODERBUND

Apple Panic. 29.95 25.45

David’s Midnight Magic. 34.95 29.70

★ The Arcade Machine 59.95 44.95

Star Blazer. 31.95 27.15

Choplifter. 34.95 29.70

Deadly Secrets. 34.95 29.70

★ Serpentine . 34.95 20.20

Sea Fox. 29.95 25.45

AE. NEW.. 29.95 25.45

Bank Street Writer. NEW.. 59.95 50.95

CONTINENTAL

★ Home Accountant. 74.95 56.20

CPA Modules # 1 -4 (each). 250.00 199.95

First Class Mail. 74.95 63.70

Tax Advantage. NEW 59.95 50.95

DATA MOST

Snack Attack. 29.95 25.45

Swashbuckler. 34.95 29.70

Casino. 39.95 33.95

Pig Pen . 29.95 25.45

Tubeway . 34.95 29.70

★ Aztec NEW 39.95 29.95

EDU-WARE

Rendezvous. 39.95 33.95

Prisoner 2 . 32.95 28.00

★ Algebra series (each) . 39.95 29.95

Fractions/Decimals (each). 49.00 41.65

PSAT/SAT Word Skills (each) . 49.00 41.65

TAX PREPARER (1983)

168.75

HOWARD

Creative Financing.

. 195.00

150.00

Real Estate Analyzer II.

. 195.00

150.00

INFOCOM

★ Zork 1, II, III (each)

39.95

29.95

Deadline.

. 49.95

42.45

Starcross .

. 39.95

33.95

MICROSOFT

Typing Tutor II.

. 24.95

21.20

★ TASC Compiler

175.00

131.25

RAM Card.

. 99.95

84.95

Multiplan.

.. 275.00

220.00

PENGUIN

List

Our

Price

Complete Graphics System.

. 69.95

59.45

★ Graphics Magician

59.59

44.95

Special Effects.

. 39.95

33.95

Spy’s Demise .

. 29.95

25.45

Transylvania .

. 34.95

29.70

SENSIBLE

Super Disc Copy III.

. 30.00

25.50

Multi-Disc Catalog .

. 25.00

21.25

★ Sensible Speller

125.00

93.75

SIRIUS SOFTWARE P nce

Gorgon . 39.95

The Joyport . 49.95

★ Kabul Spy 34.95

Bandits . 34.95

Escape from Rungistan. 29.95

Free Fall . 2995

Blade of Blackpool. 39.95

Type Attack . 39.95

Flip out. NEW. 29.95

Wavy Navy . NEW 34.95

★ Repton NEW 39.95

Critical Mass . NEW. 39.95

SCREENWRITER II
12^5 97.45

SIERRA ON-LINE

HI RES Adventures 0-5.

Dark Crystal . 39.95

Cross Fire . 29.95

★ LISA 79.95

General Manager. 229.95

Screen Writer Professional . 199.95

★ Ultima II 59.95

★ Frogger. 34.95

Cannonball Blitz . 34.95

The Artist . 79.95

Laf-Pak . 34.95

Pest Patrol. 29.95

Lunar Leepers. 29.95

Jawbreaker (all new version). NEW .. 29.95

Night Flight . NEW.. 29.95

SIR-TECH

Wizardry . 49.95

Knight of Diamonds. 34.95

Star Maze. 34.95

SOFTWARE PUBLISHING

*PFS . 125.00

★ PFS: Report 95.00

PFS: Graph. 125.00

SOUTHWESTERN

Merlin. 64.95 55.20

Ascii Express Professional. 129.95 110.45

Z-Term. 99.95 84.95

STONEWARE

DB Master Utility Pak#1 . 99.00 84.15

DB Master Utility Pak #2 . 99.00 84.15

TG PRODUCTS

★ Joystick. 59.95 44.95

Game Paddles . 39.95 33.95

Select-a-Port. 59.95 50.95

★ Track Ball NEW 64.95 48.70

DB MASTER

171.75

15% OFF

33.95
25.45

59.95
183.20
159.95

44.95
26.20
29.70

67.95
29.70
25.45
25.45
25.45
25.45

42.45

29.70

STRATEGIC SIMULATIONS

Southern Command.

. 59.95

50.95

Napoleon's Campaigns.

. 59.95

50.95

★ Road to Gettysburg

59.95

44.95

Pursuit of the Graf Spee

59.95

50.95

★ Guadalcanal Campaign

59.95

44.95

Cytron Masters.

39.95

33.95

Galactic Gladiators.

39.95

33.95

The Cosmic Balance .

39.95

33.95

Germany: 1985 .

. 59.95

50.95

Battle for Normandy.

39.95

33.95

★ Galactic Adventure

NEW

59.95

44.95

Bomb Alley .

... NEW

. 59.95

50.95

Epidemic.

NEW

34.95

29.70

Fighter Command .

... NEW

59.95

50.95

VISICORP

* Vislcalc

250.00

193.75

★ Visitrend/Visiplot

300.00

225.00

Visifile.

250.00

199.95

We also carry complete lines from the

following companies:

ASHTON-TATE •

AVANTE-GARDE

BUDGECO • CAVALIER
DATASOFT • HAYDEN
HAYES • INSOFT
KRAFT • KENSINGTON
LEARNING CO. • LIGHTNING
MICROPRO • PEACHTREE
SILICON VALLEY • MUSE
ODESTA • QUALITY
SOFTWARE DIMENSIONS
SORCIM • SPINNAKER
SUBLOGIC • SYNERGISTIC
ULTRASOFT • VIDEX
If you don’t see it, Ask Us!

CALSOFT

1346 N. Kanan Rd. #103
Agoura, CA 91301

Call Toll Free: (800) 423-5290 In California: (213) 991-9641

We arrant Mastercard & Visa (include # and Expiration Date), check, COD ($1.50 extra), or Money
Order Calitornla residents add 6% sa/es fax. Include $2.00 tor shipping (UPS Blue Label $3.00, Canada
$6.00, other foreign countries 10% of order - minimum $10.00).

★ Sale prices are through April onlyl Prices subject to change without notice.

CIRCLE 132 ON READER SERVICE CARD

APPLE

SPECIALS

Business

Screenwriter II.$ 82

Visicalc 3.3.$165

Visischedule $199

Visitrend/Visiplot $199

The Word Handler $129

Magic Window II $95

Magic Mailer $ 45

Magic Words $ 45

Real Estate Analyzer II. $119

Supercalc.$165

PFS: Report (New). $ 59

PFS: .;.$ 79

PFS: Graph $79

The General Manager $97

D B Master $145

Pascal Programmer $ 89

Pie Writer $ 95

Wordstar .$219

Datafax $129

Datalink. $65

The Home Accountant $48

Payroll Manager $199

Pie Writer/Multi 80 column $ 95

Pro-Easywriter/Mail Combo $209

Executive Briefing System $139

The Sensible Speller $ 79

Mail Merge $159

Wordstar (French). $299

Wordstar (Spanish). $299

Spellstar $119

Calcstar $119

First Class Mail.$49

E Z Ledger $ 45

Tax Manager . $ 99

The Dictionary.$ 65

Versawriter Pak 1 $ 27

Versawnter Pak 2 $ 27

Personal Investor $ 95

General Ledger $239

Accounts Receivable $239

Accounts Payable. $239

Executive Secretary $159

Executive Speller $ 55

Utilities

TASC Compiler.$119

Basic Compiler $65

Datafax.$139

Datalink. $ 65

Link Video Apple II.$105

Link Video Apple III $139

Pascal Tutor $ 89

Pascal Programmer $ 89

LISA 2 5 $55

Bag of Tricks $ 27

A IDS $ 89

S A M $ 85

Super Disk Copy III . $ 20

The Artist .$ 65

3-D Supergraphics.$27

Program Line Editor $ 27

Education

Planetary Guide.$ 23

Star Gazers Guide $22

Astro Quotes $ 17

Juggles Rainbow $ 30

Bumble Games.$ 39

Bumble Plot $ 39

Gertrudes Secrets $ 49

Gertrudes Puzzles $49

Rocky's Boots. $ 49

Snooper Troops #1 $ 30

Snooper Troops #2 $ 30

Story Maker S 26

Face Maker $ 26

Compu-Read. $ 23

Spelling Bee w/Reading Primer $ 27

Algebra I. $ 34

Fractions $ 34

Decimals $ 34

Master Type J 27

Type Attack $27

Wordrace $ 17

Dueling Digits $ 20

SAT Word Attack $ 34

New Step by Step $ 59

Delta Drawing.$ 45

Harcourt Brace SAT Series $59

APPLE SPECIALS

PERIPHERALS

Softcard.$ 229

Ramcard. $ 69

Microsoft Softcard Premium Sys . .$ 479
(Contains Softcard. Ramcard.

Videx Videoterm)

Fortran 80.$ 139

System Saver Fan $ 65

Flip & File Diskette Box .$ 21

Cobol-80.$ 449

Extended muMath $ 169

Enhancer II.$ 99

EZ Port.$ 19

Game Paddles.$ 29

Joystick.$ 39

Select-a-Port .$ 39

Lower Case Adapter.$ 25

Mannesman Tally 160 . $ 799

Citoh Prowriter $ 439

Microtek Apple Parallel

Interface.$ 79

Apple Adapter (Wico Joysticks)... $ 17

Wico Joystick.$ 23

Wico Redball.$ 24

Wico Trackball.$ 49

12 Foot Ext. Cord.$ 9

Microbuffer II 16K Parallel.$ 169

Microbuffer II 32K Parallel.$ 199

Kraft Joystick .$ 45

Kraft Paddles.$ 34

Apple Dumpling GX.$ 95

Buffered Dumpling 16K.$ 155

Buffered Dumpling 32K .$ 199

8088 Coprocessor Board $ 549

TheJoyport.$ 34

TGTrak Ball.$ 45

Versawriter Graphics Tablet.$ 209

Videoterm 80 Column Board $ 229

Vision 80 Board $ 189

IDS 480 Printer.$ 529

IDS Prism 132 Printer .$1299

Amdek Amber Monitor $179

Amdek Digital Plotter.$ 729

Amdek 3" Micro Floppy

Disk Drive.$ 699

Microline 84P.$1029

Microline83A. $ 679

Microline 82A $ 429

Daisywriter Letter Quality

Printer.$1129

Corona Starfire 5 MB Drive.$1850

Corona Starfire 10 MB Drive $2289

*** SPECIALS OF THE MONTH ***

"Elephant Disks (Box).$ 20"

"Amdek Color I Monitor.$ 309**

"Micromodem II.$ 259**

"Novation Apple Cat II Modem $ 329**

"The Grappler Plus .$ 119**

"NEC 8023A Printer.$ 459**

"Rana Systems 40 Track Disk Drive $ 299**

"Rana Systems 80 Track Disk Drive.$ 659**

"The Word Handler.$ 129**

"NEC 3530 Printer (IBM).$1599**

"Qume Sprint 11 + Printer.$1359**

"Hayes Smartmodem 300 .$ 209**

"Amdek Color II Monitor.$ 659**

"Percom Double Density Drive (ATARI).$ 515**

"Hayes Smartmodem 1200 .$ 499**

Computer Outlet

can tom 800 - 634-6766 °' d Zy" e
Information & Order Inquiries (702) 369-5523

ORDERING INFORMATION AND TERMS:

For Fast Delivery send cashier checks, money orders or direct bank wire trans
fers. Personal and company checks allow 3 weeks to clear COD orders <$3 00
minimum) and 1% of all orders over $300. School purchase orders welcomed. Prices
reflect a cash discount only and are subject to change Please enclose your phone
number with any orders. Shipping — Software ($2 SO minimum). Shipping — Hard

ware <please call). Foreign orders. APO & FPO orders — $10 minimum and 1 5 0/ o of
all orders over $100 Nevada residents add 5 J /-% sales tax All goods are new and
include factory warranty. Due to our low prices, all sales are final. All returns must
have a return authorization number Call 702-369-5523 to obtain one before returning
goods for replacement All returned merchandise is subiect to a restocking fee and
must come with their- original packaging in order to be accepted
NO returns permitted after 21 days from shipping date

TOP

Fly Wars.$20

Cyclod .$20

Kabul Spy $20

Zero Gravity Pinball.$20

Copts and Robbers $23

Escape from Rungistan $20

Lemmings.$20

Computer Foosball.$20

The Battle of Shiloh . $27

Electric Duet . $20

Temple of Apshai.$27

Tuesday Morning Quarterback .$20

Hi-Res Computer Golf.$20

David’s Midnight Magic $23

Track Attack.$20

Apple Panic.$20

Ultima.$27

Bug Attack.$20

Snack Attack.$20

Thief.$20

County Fair .$20

Compu-Read.$20

Empire I World Builders.$22

Firebird.$20

Sargon II.$23

Zorkl.$27

Zork II.$27

Pool 1.5.$23

Castle Wolfenstein. $20

Threshold.$27

Mousekattack. $23

Hi-Res Football. $27

Hi-Res Soccer .$20

Time Zone .$65

Wiz & Princess.$22

Ulysses & The Golden Fleece .$23

Wizardry.$34

Hadron.$23

Beer Run.$20

Gorgon. $27

Photar.$20

Warp Factor.$27

Tigers in the Snow.$27

Computer Baseball.$27

Ceiling Zero.$20

Sherwood Forest. $23

The Queen of Phobos.$23

Bez Wars.$19

Bez Man. $16

Star Blazer.$22

Cross Country Rallye.$20

Swashbuckler.$23

Tumble Bugs.$20

Rear Guard.$20

Hungry Boy .$17

Dneiper River Line. $20

Labyrinth .$20

Oil Rig.$27

Human Fly.$27

Deadline.$34

Minotaur.$23

Bandits.$23

Oil Barons .$65

Monster Maze .$20

New World.$20

GFS Sorceress.$23

Telengard. $19

Starcross.$27

Aztec.$27

Tubeway.$23

Vegas Video. $20

Odin . $34

Star Maze.$23

Zendar . $20

Front Line.$20

Mask of the Sun.$27

Pest Patrol. $20

LunarLeeper. $20

Pie Man. $20

Thorolian Tunnels.$20

Canyon Climber. $20

Alien. $19

Normandy .$27

Germany. $39

Miner2049er .$29

AE. $20

Repton.$27

Moon Shuttle.$27

Spy’s Demise.$20

Space Vikings. $34

Flip Out. $20

Wavy Navy. $23

Bomb Alley. $39

Ultima II. $39

A atari

1200 XL . Call
800 48K .$489
40016K .$209

410 Recorder.$ 72

810 Disk Drive .$419

825 Printer.$569

830 Modem.$145

850 Interface.$159

481 Entertainer .$ 64

482 Educator.$110

483 Programmer .$ 52

484 Communicator.$289

853 16K Ram. $74

The Bookkeeper Kit.$165

ATARI Software

CX4104 Mailing List.$19

CX404 Word Processor.$102

CXL4007 Music Composer. .$ 42

Programming 2 & 3.$ 22

Conversational Languages.$ 42

CX4018 Pilot. $ 55

CX405 Pilot.$ 92

CXL4003 Assembler Editor.$ 42

CX8126 Microsoft Basic.$ 62

CXL4022 Pac-Man.$ 30

CX8130 Caverns of Mars.$ 28

CXL4020 Centipede.$30

CXL4006 Super Breaklut.$ 26

CXL4008 Space Invaders.$ 26

CXL4009 Computer Chess $ 26

CXL4011 Star Raiders.$ 30

CXL4012 Missile Command $ 26

CXL4013 Asteroids.$26

The Bookkeeper.$102

Home Filing Manager $36

Atari Speed Reading $ 54

My First Alphabet. $26

Juggles House (D. C) $22

Juggles Rainbow (D. C).$ 22

Home Manager Kit.$55

Family Finance.$ 36

Time Wise .$23

Galaxian.$ 30

Defender.$30

Qix.$ 30

Dig Dog.$ 30

ET Home Phone.$ 34

Atari Writer.$ 55

Business & Utilities

Visicalc.$169

Mail Merge.$ 20

Data Perfect $ 75

Letter Perfect.$105

Text Wizard.$ 65

Datasm 65 2.0 .$59

File Manager 800 + .$65

Syn Assembler $ 34

Page 6.$ 20

Atari World. $ 39

K-Dos.$ 59

Micropainter $23

Color Print.$ 27

Lisp Interpreter.$79

Bishops Square $ 20

Graphic Master. $ 27

Graphic Generator $ 17

Basic Compiler $ 65

Computari s Financial Wizard.$ 45

Color Accountant.$ 65

Datalink.$27

File It 2 System .$ 34

Diskette Inventory System $ 17

P. M P Property Management $179

NEW LOWER PRICES

TOP SELLERS

Atari

Temple of Apshai.$ 27

Raster Blaster.$ 20

Apple Panic.$ 20

Crossfire.$ 20

Threshold.$ 27

Mousekattack.$ 23

Krazy Shootout.$ 34

Deadline.$ 34

Tumble Bugs.$ 20

Pool 1.5.$ 23

Ricochet.$ 15

Empire of the Overmind.$ 23

Wiz& Princess.$ 22

Mission Asteroid.$ 17

AM Baba & the Forty Thieves.$ 22

The Shattered Alliance.$ 27

Canyon Climber.$ 20

Shooting Arcade.$ 20

Pacific Coast Highway.$ 20

Clowns & Balloons.$ 20

Preppie.$ 20

Rear Guard.$ 17

Lunar Lander.$ 17

War.$ 17

Star Warrior.$ 27

Dragon’s Eye.$ 20

Crush, Crumble & Chomp...$ 20

Jawbreaker .$ 20

Zorkl.$ 27

Zorkll..$ 27

Softporn Adventure.$ 20

Deluxe Invaders.$ 23

Chicken .$ 23

Nautilus.$ 23

Rescue at Rigel.$ 20

Frogger.$ 23

Chopliftpr.$ 23

Curse of Ra .$ 15

Ghost Encounters.$ 20

Ulysses and The Golden Fleece . .$ 23

Battle of Shiloh.$ 27

Tigers in the Snow.$ 27

Track Attack.$ 20

Shamus .$ 23

Picknick Paranoia.$ 23

Claim Jumper .$ 23

Embargo.$ 34

Firebird.$ 34

Cyclod .$ 20

Spare Eggs.$ 20

Sneakers .$ 20

Snake Byte.$ 20

*** SPECIALS OF THE MONTH ***

ELEPHANT DISKS(BOX).$ 20

HAYES SMARTMODEM.$209

MOSAIC 32K RAM.$ 89

RAMDISK (128K).$399

AMDEK COLOR I MONITOR.$309

PERCOM DOUBLE DENSITY DRIVE.$515

NEC 8023A PRINTER.$459

BASIC A + (OSA + INCLUDED) .$ 59

FLIP N’SORT DISKETTE BOX.$ 21

(Holds 50 Diskettes)

FLIP-SORT CARTRIDGE BOX.$ 21

(Holds 10 Atari Computer Cartridges)

MOSAIC 64K RAM.$149

80 COLUMN BOARD (ATARI).$279

ALL APX SOFTWARE.$15% TO 20% OFF

PERCOM SINGLE DENSITY DRIVE.,$409

Computer Outlet

Park Place — Upper Level
1095 E. Twain — (702) 796-0296
Las Vegas, Nevada 89109

C |" T ?" 800-634-6766

Order Line
Only

Programming Techniques

Display Lists $ 17

Horiz/Vert Scroll.$ 17

Page Flipping.$ 17

Basics of Animation.$ 17

Player Missile Graphics $24

Sound.$ 17

Data Files. $ 24

Information Order Inquiries (702) 369-5523
We accept Major Credit Cards

Mon.-Fri. 8 A.M.-6 P. M.

Sat. 9 A.M.-5 P. M.

Dealer Inquiries Invited

NEW

ATARI

King Arthur’s Heir (D).$ 20

Escape from Vuncan's Isle (D).$ 20

Crypt of the Undead (D).$ 20

The Nightmare (D).$ 20

Danger in Drindisti (D, C).$ 15

Armor Assault (D).$ 27

Monster Maze (CT) .$ 27

Alien Garden (CT) .$ 27

Plattermania(CT) .$ 27

David’s Midnight Magic (D) .$ 23

Star Blazer (D).$ 22

Stellar Shuttle (D,C).$ 20

Genetic Drift (D,C) .$ 20

Labyrinth (D, C).$ 20

Serpintine(D)..$ 23

Sea Fox (D).$ 20

Spell Wizard (D).$ 53

Sands of Egypt (D).$ 27

Pool 400 (CT).$27

Speedway Blast (CT).$ 27

K-razy Kritters (CT) .$ 34

K-Star Patrol (CT).$ 34

K-Razy Antiks (CT).$ 34

Crossword Magic (D).$ 34

Master Type.$ 27

Gorf.(D) $27, (CT) $ 30

Wizard of Wor.(D)$17.(CT)$ 30

Cyborg (D).$ 23

Gold Rush (D).$ 23

Bandits (D).$ 23

Way Out (D) .$ 27

Fast Eddy (CT).$ 24

World War I (CT). $ 24

Beanie Bopper(CT).$ 24

The Cosmic Balance (D). $27

Miner 2049er(CT).$ 34

Attack at EP-CYG-4.(D)$22,(C)$ 20

Chess (D).$ 45

Checkers (D).. ..$ 34

Odin (D).$ 34

Snooper Troops #1 (D). $ 30

Snooper Troops #2 (D).$ 30

Story Machine (D).$ 23

Face Maker (D).$ 23

Haunted Hill.(D)$20,(C)$ 17

Trivia Trek (D).$ 20

Datalink (D) .$ 27

Space Shuttle (D).$ 20

Jerry White’s Music Lessons (D.C) . .$20

SwiftyTach Master.(D)$20, (C)$ 17

Apocalypse (D. C).$ 23

RaptilMan (D. C).$ 23

Kid Grid (D, C) .$ 20

Aliencounter (Face Flash) (D, C) ....$ 26

The Jar Game/Chaoe(D, C) .$ 26

Gulp/Arrow Graphics (D, C).$ 26

Golf Classic/Compubar.$ 26

Frenzy/Flip Flop (D. C).$ 26

Battling Bugs/Concentration (D, C). $ 26

Submarine Commander (CT).$ 34

Jumbo Jet Pilot (CT).$ 34

Soccer (CT).$ 34

Kickback (CT).$ 34

Darts (C).$ 22

Pool (C).$ 22

Dominoes and Cribbage (C).$ 22

Pig Pen (D).$ 20

Starcross (D) .$ 27

Zork 111(D).$ 27

Journey to the Planets (D, C).$ 20

Moon Shuttle (D).$ 27

Moon Patrol (C).$ 17

Normandie (D, C).$ 27

Zaxxon(D.C).$ 27

Juggler(D).$ 20

Survival of the Fittest.$ 27

Baseball.(D)$23, (C)$ 20

Sentinel I.(D)$23,(C)$ 20

The Guardian of Gorm ...(D) $23, (C) $ 20

Miner 2049er(CT).$ 34

Jeepers Creepers (D).$ 20

Snapper (D). $ 20

Twerps (D).$ 23

Flip Out (D).$ 20

The Birth of the Phoenix.$ 16

Protector II .(D)$23,(C)$ 29

CIRCLE 149 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Part 3

Computer Art
for the Tektronix 4052

89 REM CORSAGE PROGRAM
100 PAGE

110 PRINT "ENTER D"

120 INPUT D

130 PRINT "ENTER S"

140 INPUT S

150 PRINT "ENTER T"

160 INPUT T

170 W s 500$SQR(ST2+TT2>

180 SET DEGREES
190 WINDOW 14

200 GO TO 560

210 PRINT "ENTER Tl. T1 MUST BE 1 OR 2."
220 INPUT Tl
230 PAGE

240 FOR B=0 TO 360 STEP D
250 FOR A=0 TO 360 STEP G
260 L=ABSCS*SIN<K*Am*COS<K*S)>

270 GOSUB 390

280 IF Tl=2 THEN 310

290 UIEWPORT 22.108.14,100

300 GO TO 320

310 UIEWPORT 15.115.0,100

320 IF A>0 THEN 350

330 MOUE X,Y

340 GO TO 360

350 DRAW X,Y

360 NEXT A

370 NEXT B

380 GO TO 430

390 R=B*ABS<S*SINa*A)+T*COS<L*A>>

400 X=R*COS<A>

410 Y=R*SIN<A>

420 RETURN

In this article I describe my Corsage
program. The name stems from the pat¬
terns generated, which remind me of
assemblages of ribbons and flowers. A
Basic source listing and some sample
output pictures accompany the text.

This program is a further generaliza¬
tion of my Sinusoidal Loop Programs
No. 1 and 2 (Creative Computing , Janu¬
ary and March, 1983). However, it uses
only one polar coordinate function. This
function is used to compute the radius as

Joe Jacobson, 675 E. Street Rd., Apt. 1009, War¬
minster, PA 18974.

Joe Jacobson

the absolute value of a weighted sum of
sinusoids. These sinusoids are, in turn,
functions of the angle (A).

An important innovation, which was
suggested by my engineering coworker
Stuart Boose, is that the angular fre¬
quency coefficient L is itself a function
of the angle. I used the same type of an¬
gular function for L as for the radius.
This function itself has an angular fre¬
quency coefficient, K, which is entered

226

from the keyboard.

Both the radius function and the L
function use the same amplitude co¬
efficients as weights for the sinusoids.
These are designated as S and T and are
entered from the keyboard.

There are three other parameters that
are entered from the keyboard. These
are D, G, and Tl. D is the increment
added to the radius between successive
angular sweeps. G is the increment in
the angle during an angular sweep. Tl
will be discussed below.

When you run the program it places
prompts on the screen, asking you to en-

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

430 IF Tl=2 THEN 550
440 WINDOW 0,130,0,100
450 UIEWPORT 0,130,0,100
460 MOUE 0,10
470 PRINT "

480 MOUE 0,5
480 PRINT *

500 PRINT D?" • w 5S5 11 , w JT?"
510 INPUT J$

520 WINDOW -W,W,-W,W
530 Tl=2
540 GO TO 230
550 END

560 PRINT "ENTER K"

570 INPUT K

580 PRINT "ENTER G"

580 INPUT G
600 GO TO 210

CORSAGE PROGRAM PARAMETERS"
(D,S,T,K,G> * <"H

ter values for D, S, T, K, G, and Tl. If
you enter a 1 for Tl, the picture will be
plotted and a list of input parameter val¬
ues will appear below it. Then you clear
the screen and hit return, and the
same picture will be plotted again with¬
out the parameter list. This way you can
make hardcopy prints with and without
parameters and keep a convenient
record of which parameter combinations
make good pictures. If you don’t want a
parameter listing at all, enter a 2 for the
value of Tl.

Table 1 lists recommended ranges of
the values of the input parameters. Val¬

ues in these intervals seem to give the
best results in most cases. However,
other values may also yield good pic¬
tures; you should experiment with the
program to Find out which values to use.
The parameters D, S, T, K, and G do
not have to be integers; decimal fractions
like K = 29.2 can also work well, and
this increases the number of different
pictures you can make.

I hope you like the corsage designs. I
will describe the other polar coordinate
computer art programs I have recently
written, in future issues of Creative
Computing. □

Table 1. Suggested Parameter Values.

Parameter

Range of Values

From To

30 50

— 00 4- 00

— oo 4- oo

6 60

5 15

Tl*

1 2

*T1 must be 1 or 2.

April 1983 c Creative Computing

227

Part Three

TRS-80 Graphics Made
Almost Painless

The third in a three-part series, this
article describes Graphics Manager, a
program that stores whatever is on the
screen when it is called. Stored screen
images (which I call frames) can be com¬
bined, compressed, saved on tape,
loaded from tape, and printed on the
screen. Graphics characters and ASCII
codes can be listed as well. Frames can
have either single or double width
characters.

The maximum number of frames that
can be simultaneously stored in memory
depends on the current amount of free
string space (frames are stored as
strings). The absolute maximum which
can be stored is nine because the sub¬
routine which accepts frame numbers
uses a single digit. Graphics Manager in
Listing 1 clears 6553 bytes of string
space which is just enough to hold six
frames with single width characters. If
some frames are compressed or have
double width characters you may be able
to store nine frames.

Graphics Manager requires at least
16K of free memory. If you have more,
the program will work without
modification. The computer for which
the programs in this series were written
was described in Part 1. You don’t need
an MX-80 printer unless you want to
print frames on paper without modifying
the program.

I wrote Graphics Manager to help me
design graphics for programs, to
manipulate frames, and to provide a
means of printing, recording, and load¬
ing frames. Graphics Manager can sim¬
plify the design of graphics for TRS-80
programs by allowing you to write a
graphics creation program with the slow
but versatile set command.

John Crew, 1106 Karin Dr., Normal, IL 61761.

John Crew

Add Graphics Manager to that slow
graphics creation program. Then list
ASCII codes to see the character code
and screen position of every character.
Next, rewrite the graphics creation pro¬
gram using faster techniques such as
POKEing character codes or printing
strings of graphics characters.

If you have a favorite computer gen¬
erated picture, Graphics Manager can
print it on paper. If you add my
Sketch/Print program (January 1983)

If you have a favorite
computer generated
picture, Graphics
Manager can print it on
paper.

you can doodle, make cartoons, create
art work, or save screens filled with text
and graphics.

The ability of Sketch/Print and
Graphics Manager combined to record
screens of text and graphics can be used
to create a simple educational program.
The teacher would type information on
the screen as it would appear to the stu¬
dent. He would then record a series of
screen contents on tape. Students would
use a stripped-down version of Graphics
Manager to load and view the frames.

Because Graphics Manager allows
printing of some or all frames in forward
or reverse order at a rate controlled by

the user, students could review a
screenful of information as many times
as they liked until they understood and
remembered it. A student could also
print some frames on paper if he wanted
to study them later.

This method of teaching merely uses
the computer to replace a book and
doesn’t take advantage of the ability of
the computer to ask and answer ques¬
tions. This approach might be used to
teach young children simple concepts by
using graphics and words to present the
material.

Mistakes In The Manual

Writing Graphics Manager was com¬
plicated by the poorly organized, some¬
times unclear, sometimes incorrect, and
often too brief Level II manual. The
quality of the manual varies from section
to section. The more I learned about
Level II, the more I appreciated
Microsoft Basic and the less I appre¬
ciated the manual. I’ll mention just a few
things the manual doesn’t cover.

input won’t accept more than 240
characters at once, which should rarely
be a problem.

The only place you can use tab in a
print using statement is between
print and using (the only legal form is
PRINT TAB (n) USING ..). When you
add or delete lines from a program,
Level II moves the rest of the program
around as needed so that the pointers to
the next line are always in ascending or¬
der. print tab (n) works much like
print string$(N,“”) for N < 64.

The Edit mode of Level II can be used
to find lower case letters.

fre(“”) can be used instead of some¬
thing like fre (“A”) which saves one
byte. fre( 0) works the same way as
MEM.

228

April 1983 ° Creative Computing

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TRS-80 Graphics, continued...

You can use an arithmetic expression
such as error n/10+2 after clear or
error. If you use an arithmetic ex¬
pression after error and you are told
there is a syntax error in the line where
error appears, don’t pay attention to
that message.

If you put spaces between go and TO,
they are removed so goto is always one
word.

When you print a number, Level II
won’t print it on the current line if there
isn’t room for the entire number. When
you record a string with leading blanks
or one which contains a comma or co¬
lon, you should record that string with a
quotation mark at the front. If you
record a string on tape with a quotation
mark at the beginning and a quotation
mark before the end, you’ll get an fd
(bad datum in file) error when you try to
load it, and only the part of the string
between the first and second quotation
marks will be loaded.

Using Graphics Manager

An external program that calls
Graphics Manager must be added to
Graphics Manager for it to work.
Graphics Manager appears in Listing 1.

The program doesn’t require you to
press the enter key when you are typ¬
ing in information. It quickly reacts to

the pressing of a key and either accepts
or rejects it.

The menu lists all primary options
and tells you how much free frame stor¬
age is left, permanently reserving 408
bytes for workspace. When you see that
408 or 409 bytes of frame storage re¬
main, only the workspace is left and no
more frames can be stored unless you
make more room by compressing or
erasing some frames. To select one of the
options listed in the menu, pfess the key

Combining two frames
may give different
results depending on
the order of
combination.

which represents your choice. Next to
each letter which represents an option is
a short description. If you press a key
other than the ones used to represent op¬
tions, it will be ignored.

Storing, compressing, and reversing
graphics characters, and uniting two
frames are somewhat slow (longer than

10 seconds). Graphics Manager per¬
forms these operations visibly so you can
tell how near completion they are. As
each character in a frame is stored, it is
erased on the screen. The reversal of
graphics characters and the union of two
frames are also performed on the screen
so you can see how much has been done.

For every option except the frequently
used print option, you are asked to con¬
firm your choice. This enables you to re¬
turn to the menu if you pressed the
wrong key or changed your mind.

Stored frames are referred to by using
a number. The number of a frame is be¬
tween 1 and the count of currently
stored frames. When Graphics Manager
asks you to enter a frame number, the le¬
gal range is printed in parentheses
following the request for a number.
Some functions ask for one frame num¬
ber, some ask for two, others ask for the
first and last frame numbers for the
range of frames.

When you print, erase, compress, save
(record on tape), list ASCII codes, or re¬
verse graphics characters, you are asked
to enter the starting and final frame
numbers of the range of frames you want
the function to work on. If the final
frame number is greater than the first,
you are asked if you want the function
done to that range of frames in reverse

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CIRCLE 281 ON READER SERVICE CARD

230

April 1983 0 Creative Computing

order. You can have reverse order for
any of the options listed above. If, for
example, you had six frames stored, you
could print 1-6, 6-1, 2-4, 3-3, or some
other legal range of frames.

Frame Compression

Frame compression is one of the most
important features of Graphics Manager
and one of the most difficult to im¬
plement. It uses the seldom used space
compression characters. Substrings of
consecutive blanks (ordinary blank,
graphics blank, or chr$ (193)) are re¬
placed by a compression character. Up
to 63 blanks can be replaced by a single
compression character. When a com¬
pression character is printed, it is ex¬
panded to a series of blanks. Frames
without two or more consecutive blanks
within a subframe are unchanged when
you try to compress them. If you want to
know how many bytes were gained by

Listing 1. GM (Graphics Manager).

compression, note the free frame space
before and after compression.

Compressing may give you enough
room to store more frames. Printing or
combining frames will be much faster if
the frames are compressed. Most other
parts of Graphics Manager will be
slightly faster if some or all frames are
compressed. If you want to decompress
a frame for some reason, reverse its
graphics characters twice. A compressed
frame will expand to its original size
when its graphics characters are
reversed.

Combination Of Frames

Combination of two frames is done by
printing the first frame and then merg¬
ing graphics characters and putting
nongraphics characters from the second
frame into blank spaces in the first. You
could think of combination as putting
the second frame behind the first so the

O CLEAR6553:DEFINTA-Z s MF=8:DIMSC*(4,MF),CM(MF)sQB*="PRECSGUDTAQL"

:REM *** THIS LINE SHOULD GO BEFORE ANY OTHER TO SET ASIDE THE STORAGE NEEDED BY
GM. IF THIS ISN'T THE VERY FIRST LINE, AT LEAST MAKE SURE IT IS EXCECUTED BEFOR
E CALLING GM
32049 END

: REM *** THIS PREVENTS A PROGRAM FROM UNEXPECTEDLY ENTERING GM. IF YOU ARE SURE

THAT WON'T HAPPEN, DELETE THIS LINE

32050' v G0SUB32680: IFQDTHEN32620ELSEQE=FC:G0SUB32630

:REM IF THERE IS ROOM, STORE THE CURRENT SCREEN'S CONTENTS

32080 REM *** LINES 32090-32100 PRINT THE MENU

32090 CLS:PRINTTAB<13)"GRAPHICS MANAGER BY JOHN CREW 2/3/82

"STRING*(64,143)"A - PRINT ASCII CODES

C - COMPRESS FRAME<S)

D - DUPLICATE A FRAME
E - ERASE FRAME(S)

G - REVERSE GRAPHICS
L - LOAD FRAME(S) FROM TAPE
P - PRINT FRAME(S)

32100 PRINT"Q - QUIT
R - RETURN TO MAIN PROGRAM
S - SAVE FRAME(S) ON TAPE
T - TRADE (SWAP) TWO FRAMES
U - UNITE (COMBINE) TWO FRAMES

"STRING*(64,143>TAB(15)CHR*(27)FRE("”)"FREE BYTES OF FRAME STORAGE
COMMAND? ";s G0SUB32680

32110 REM *** LINES 32120-32134 WAIT FOR YOU TO PRESS A KEY, THEN IT IS CHECKED
FOR LEGALITY, AND, IF LEGAL, GM GOES TO THE CHOSEN OPTION. IF YOU TRY TO DO ANYT
HING BESIDES LOAD, QUIT OR RETURN WHEN NO FRAMES ARE STORED, YOU'LL GET AN ERROR
MESSAGE

32115 REM *** IF YOU TRY TO UNITE OR LOAD FRAMES WHEN FRAME STORAGE IS FULL OR T
HERE ISN'T ENOUGH ROOM, YOU'LL GET AN ERROR MESSAGE. IF YOU TRY TO DUPLICATE FRA

MES, YOU'LL BE TOLD LATER IF THERE IS ENOUGH ROOM OR STORAGE IS FULL

32120 G0SUB32410:QA=ASC(QA*):IFQDANDQA=76THEN32620ELSEIFFC<2AND(QA=840RQA=B5)PRI
NT"

TWO OR MORE FRAMES MUST BE STORED":G0T032440

32125 REM *** LINES 32130-32134 BRANCH TO THE SELECTED OPTION. IF THERE IS NO MA
TCH, YOU PRESSED AN ILLEGAL KEY SO GM GOES BACK FOR YOU NEXT COMMAND. IF YOU ASK

FOR LOAD, THE 'ON-GOTO' LIST OF LINE NUMBERS WILL BE EXCEEDED SO THE NEXT LINE

WILL BE EXECUTED

32130 QB=0:FORQE=1TO12sIFQA*=MID*(QB*,QE,1)THENQB=QE:QE-12

32132 NEXT:IFQB=OPRINTCHR*< 8)5 ELSEIFFC=OANDNOT(QA=760RQA=820RQA=81)G0SUB32670s GO
T032090

32134 ONQB+1GOT032120,32200,32397,32350,32390,32240,32388,32380,32195,32340,3227
0,32320

32135 REM **# LINES 32195-32399 PERFORM THE OPTIONS. LINES 32400-32690 ARE SUBRO
UTINES COMMONLY USED

32137 REM *** LOAD FRAMES

32140 QA*="LOAD FRAME(S) FROM TAPE"s G0SUB32610:1FQDTHEN32090ELSEQD=(FRE("">-408)
/1024:IFQD+FC>MFTHENQD=MF-FC+1
32160 PRINT"

HOW MANY FRAMES DO YOU WANT LOADED";sG0SUB32400:QG=VAL(QA*):IFQG<1THENQE=QG-1ELS
EIFQD<QGTHENQE=QG+FC-2ELSE32190

32170 G0SUB32530SPRINT" ONLY ROOM FOR"QD"MORE FRAME(S)G0T032160
32190 PRINT"

INSERT TAPE AND PRESS PLAY BUTTON":G0SUB32550:F0RQE=FCT0FC+QG-1:INPUT#-1,CM(QE),
SC*(O,QE):F0RQF=1T04:INPUT#-1,SC*(QF,QE):NEXT:FC=FC+1:PRINT"FRAME #"FC"LOADED":N
EXT:P0KE16553,255:G0T032430

:REM THE POKE STATEMENT CORRECTS THE READ-DATA BUG
32193 REM *** DUPLICATE A FRAME

231

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CIRCLE 285 ON READER SERVICE CARD

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

TRS-80 Graphics, continued...

characters in the second frame show
through holes in the first. The first
frame number you type is the frame
which will be printed first. The second is
the number of the frame to be combined
with the first. A comma is automatically
put between the two numbers. The com¬
bined frame is stored as a new frame so
you can’t unite two frames if there isn’t
enough room to store the result.

Combining two frames may give dif¬
ferent results depending on the order of
combination. This is because a graphics
character in the first frame takes prece¬
dence over a nongraphics character in
the second, and an alphanumeric
character in the first takes precedence
over any type of character in the frame.

Combination is faster if the second
frame is compressed more than the first.
If you want to combine two compressed
frames, estimate which is more com¬
pressed (the one with the most blank
spaces) and type its frame number sec¬
ond. The more compressed frame will be
quickly put behind the first.

Quitting

You can, of course, quit when not sav¬
ing or loading frames by pressing the
break key, but I suggest you use the
quit option instead. When you use the
quit option, all variables are erased and
the large amount of string space used by
Graphics Manager is released. If the
printer is turned on, it is set back to 80
characters per line.

Returning To The Graphics Program

I call the graphics creation program
the main program even though Graphics
Manager may well be longer and more
complex. If you want, Graphics Man¬
ager can put a frame on the screen be¬
fore returning. If the graphics program
takes advantage of the ability of Graph¬
ics Manager to return a frame, you can
modify that frame and then store it if
there is room. Sketch/Print or Vector
Plotter can modify a frame sent by
Graphics Manager.

Warning

Don’t try to save on tape a frame
which contains a quotation mark be¬
cause you will get an fd error when you
try to load it. You can store such a
frame and do anything except load it
properly. This problem is a result of the
way Level II handles string input.

Error Checking

Graphics Manager does much error
checking to avoid having the program
fail because you pressed the wrong key
or asked for a function under the wrong
circumstances. I tried to do a thorough
job of making the program reject erro¬
neous information and print a message

32195 QA*=»"DUPLICATE A FRAME" : G0SUB32610: IFQDTHEN32090ELSEQC=6: G0SUB32510: G0SIJB3
2690:IFQH<QDORMF< FCTHEN32620ELSEF0RQF=0T04s SC*(QF,FC > -SC *< QF,QE >:NE X T:CM( FC>=CM(
QE):FC=FC+1:G0T032090

32197 REM *** PRINT FRAMES ON THE SCREEN OR ALSO ON A MX-80 PRINTER. WHEN USING
THE MX-80, YOU CAN HAVE NORMAL WIDTH OR COMPRESSED CHARACTER WIDTH. YOU'LL GET A
N ERROR MESSAGE IF THE PRINTER ISN'T READY
32200 CLS:PRINT“PRINT FRAME(S)"sG0SUB32490

32210 QA*="COPY ON MX-80":G0SUB32610:QI=QD:PRINT:IFNOTQITHENIFPEEK(14312)<>63THE
NPRINT"PRINTER NO V READY":G0SUB32480:G0T032210ELSEQA*="COMPRESSED CHARACTERS"* GO
SUB32610: IFQDTHENLPRINTCHR* (18) ; EL.SELPRINTCHR* (15) ;

32220 PRINT"

NOW AND AFTER EACH FRAME IS PRINTED, ";:G0SUB32550:FORQE=QATOQBSTEPQC:G0SUB32590
:IFQITHEN32228ELSELPRINTSTRING*(2,10):FORQF=15360T016320STEP64:IFCM(QE)=2LPRINTC
HR*< 14);

32224 LFRINTSTRING*( (4-14*N0TQD)* <3-CM(QE)),32);:F0RQG=0T063STEPCM(QE):QH=PEEK <Q
F+QG):LPRINTCHR*(QH-32*(QH>127));:NEXT:LPRINT:NEXT:LPRINTSTRING*(2,10)

32228 G0SUB32420:NE X T:G0T032090
32230 REM *** SAVE FRAMES ON TAPE

32240 QA*="SAVE FRAME(S) ON TAPE":G0SUB32610:IFQDTHEN32090ELSEG0SUB32490
32250 REM *** THE '0UT255,4' STATEMENT IN LINE 32260 TURNS ON THE CASSETTE MOTOR
(IF THE REMOTE JACK IS PLUGGED INTO THE RECORDER) SO BLANK SPACE IS LEFT AFTER
EACH FRAME

32260 PRINT"ADVANCE TAPE TO A BLANK SPACE":G0SUB32550:FORQE^QATOQBSTEPQC:PRINT#-
1, CM(QE),CHR*(34 > SC*(0,QE):F0RQF=1T04:PRINT#-1,CHR*(34)SC*(QF,QE):NEXT:0UT255,4:
PRINT"FRAME #"QE+1"SAVED" : G0SIJB32480: NEXT: G0T032430

32265 REM *** LIST ASCII CHARACTER CODES, SCREEN POSITION, AND MEMORY ADDRESS OF
EACH SCREEN POSITION FOR EVERY CHARACTER IN A FRAME. THIS INFORMATION IS HELPFU
L IN DESIGNING GRAPHICS PROGRAMS USING 'PRINT®' AND/OR ’POKE'

32270 QA*="PRINT ASCII CODES":G0SUB32610:IFQDTHEN32090ELSEG0SUB32490:FORQE=QATOQ
BSTEPQC:CLS:PRINTTAB(27)"FRAME #"QE+1"

SCREEN POSITION"TAB(19)"SCREEN ADDRESS"TAB(38)"CHARACTER"TAB(54)"ASCI I CODE"STRI
NG*(64,143);

32290 IFCM(QE)=2THENPRINTTAB(7)"DOUBLE WIDTH CHARACTER MODE (32 CHARACTERS/LINE)
ONLY EVEN NUMBERED BYTES ARE USED TO STORE THE CHARACTERS"ELSEPRINTTAB(22)"64
CHARACTERS/LINE

32300 G0SUB32480:QH=0:F0RQF=0T04:FORQG=1TOLEN(SC*(QF,QE)):QA*=MID*(SC*(QF,QE),QG
,1):QD=ASC(QA*> :IFQD< >192PRINTUSING" ####";0H;:PRINTTAB(22)QH+15360;

32303 IF32< QDANDQDC192PRINTTAB(42)QA*;

32304 PRINTTAB(57)USING"###";QD:IFI91<QDTHENQD=QD-192ELSEQD=1

32305 QH=QH+CM(QE)*QD:NEXT:NEXT:G0SUB32480:NEXT:G0T032090

32310 REM *** QUIT (EXIT PROGRAM). THE HUGE AMOUNT OF STRING STORAGE USED BY GM
IS RELEASED AND ALL VARIABLES ARE ERASED. THE PRINTER IS SET TO 80 CHR/LINE IF I
T'S ON

32320 QA*= "QUIT PROGRAM " : G0SUB32610:1 FQDTHEN32090ELSECLEAR50: I FPEEK (14312)015P0
KE14312,18
32330 END

:REM *** IF YOU WANT GM TO ERASE ITSELF, CHANGE 'END' TO 'NEW' (WITHOUT QUOTATIO
N MARKS)

32335 REM *** TRADE (SWAP) 2 FRAMES BY EXCHANGING SUBFRAME STRING ADDRESSES
32340 QA*="TRADE TWO FRAMES":G0SUB32610:IFQDTHEN32090ELSEQC=5:G0SUB32570:F0RQE*0
T04: QC=VARPTR (SC* (QE, QA) ) : QD=VARPTR (SC* (QE, QB) ) : F0RQF=0T02: QG=PEEK <QC+QF) : POKEQC
+QF,PEEK(QD+QF):POKEQD+QF,QG:NE X T:NE X T:QC=CM(QA >:CM(QA)=CM(QB):CM(QB)=QC:G0T0320
90

32345 REM *** ERASE FRAMES. THIS RECOVERS THE STORAGE USED BY THE ERASED FRAMES
32350 QA*="ERASE FRAME(S)":G0SUB32610:1FQDTHEN32090ELSEQD=FC-1:G0SUB32490:IFQB<Q
ATHENQOQA: QA=QB: QB=QC

32360 QC=QB—QA+1:IFQB=QDTHEN32370ELSEF0RQE=QAT0QD-QC:CM(QE > =CM(QE+QC):F0RQB=0T04
: QF=VARPTR(SC*(QB,QE)):QG=VARPTR(SC*(QB,QE+QC)):F0RQH=0T02:POKEQF+QH,PEEK(QG+QH)

:NEXT:NEXT:NEXT

:REM *** THIS LINE MOVES FRAMES DOWN IN THE ARRAY IF NECESSARY

32370 F0RQE=QDT0FC-QCSTEP-1:F0RQB=0T04:SC*(QB,QE) =*"":NEXT:NEXT:FC=FC-QC:G0T03209

:REM *** THIS LINE ERASES THE FINAL FRAME(S)

32375 REM *** UNITE (COMBINE) TWO FRAMES BY PRINTING THE FIRST, MERGING GRAPHICS
CHARACTERS AND PUTTING NONBLANK CHARACTERS FROM THE SECOND FRAME INTO CORRESPON
DING BLANK POSITIONS IN THE FIRST

32380 QA*—"UNITE TWO FRAMES":G0SUB32610:IFQDTHEN32090ELSEQC=4:G0SUB32570:IFCM(QA
)<>CM(QB)PRINT"

BOTH FRAMES MUST BE THE SAME CHARACTER MODE":G0SUB32480:G0T032380ELSEIFMFCFCORFR
EC") < 1024/CM (QA) +408THEN32620

32382 QE=QA:GOSUB32590:QG=15360:F0RQE=0T04:F0RQF=1TQLEN(SC*(QE,QB)):QD=ASC(MID*(
SC*(QE,QB),QF,1)):IF191< QDTHENQH=QD-192:GQT032386ELSEQH=1:QC=PEEK(QG):IF(QC=320R
QC=128)AND31<QDANDQD<128P0KEQG,QD+32*(95CQD):GQT032386

32383 IFQC=32QC=128

32384 IFQD=32QD=128

32385 IF127<QCANDQC<192AND127< QDANDQD<192P0KEQG,QCORQD

32386 QG=QG+CM(QB)*QH:NEXT:NEXT:G0T032050

32387 REM *** REVERSE GRAPHICS CHARACTERS WHILE LEAVING OTHER CHARACTERS UNCHANG
ED

32388 QA*="REVERSE GRAPHICS":G0SUB32610:1FQDTHEN32090ELSEG0SUB32490:FORQE=QATOQB
STEPQC:G0SUB32690:IFQHC1024/CM(QE)-QDTHENQD=QB:NEXT:G0T032620ELSEG0SUB32590:FORQ
F=15360T0163B3STEPCM(QE):QG=PEEK(QF):IF127<QGANDQG<192P0KEQF,319-QGELSEIFQG=32P0
KEQF,191

32389 NEXT:G0SUB32630:NEXT:G0T032090

32390 QA*="COMPRESS FRAME(S)":G0SUB32610:1FQDTHEN32090ELSEG0SUB32490:CLS:F0RQE=Q
ATOQBSTEPQC:F0RQF=0T04:QG=1:QI=0:QD=0:PRINT30,"SUBFRAME POSITION"1:G0SUB32396

:REM *** LINES 32390-32396 COMPRESS FRAMES AND KEEP THE USER INFORMED OF PROGRES
S

32391 QH=ASC (MID* (SC* (QF, QE) ,QG, 1) ) : PRINT5>17, QG" "; : IFQH=320RQH=1280RQH=*193THENQ
D=QD+1:IFQD=1THENQI=QG:G0T032393ELSEIFQD=630RQG=LEN(SC*(QF,QE))THENQG=QG+1:G0T03
2395ELSE32393

:REM *** SEARCH FOR A BLANK. WHEN FOUND, SEARCH FOR NEXT NONBLANK OR END OF STRI
NG

32392 IF1<QDTHEN32395ELSEQD=0

:REM *** THIS LINE IS REACHED WHEN A NONBLANK CHARACTER IS FOUND. IF THE COUNT 0
F CONSECUTIVE BLANK CHARACTERS IS GREATER THAN ONE, COMPRESS THOSE BLANKS

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

232

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TRS-80 Graphics, continued...

32393 QG=QG+1:IFLEN(SC*(QF,QE))<QGTHENNEXT:NEXTs G0T032090ELSE32391
:REM *** REPEAT LOOP UNTIL THE END OF THE LAST SUBFRAME IS REACHED

32395 SC*(QF,QE)=LEFT*(SC*(QF,QE),QI-1)+CHR*<192+QD)+RIGHT*(SC*(QF,QE),LEN(SC*(Q
F, QE) ) —QG+1) : QG=Q I: QI =0: QD=0: G0SUB32396: G0T032393

:REM *** THIS LINE DOES THE ACTUAL COMPRESSION

32396 PRINT364, "LENGTH OF FRAME"STR* (QE+1) " , SUBFRAME"QF+1 ,,= ="LEN (SC* (QF, QE) ) : RET
URN

sREM *** TELL USER HOW LONG A SUBFRAME IS. THIS IS USED BEFORE COMPRESSION AND E
ACH TIME THE LENGTH IS CHANGED

32397 QA*="RETURN TO MAIN PROGRAM"sG0SUB32610sIFQDTHEN32090ELSEPRINT"

PRINT FRAME BEFORE RETURNING (Y/N)";:G0SUB32400:IFQA*<>"Y"THENQE=~1:CLSELSEIFFC*
0THENG0SUB32670:QE=-1s CLSELSEQC=3:G0SUB32510:G0SUB32590
sREM *** PUT FRAME ON SCREEN IF ASKED

32399 RETURN

sREM THIS LINE SENDS GM BACK TO THE GRAPHICS CREATION PROGRAM

32400 PRINT"? ";

sREM *** PRINT PROMPT. LINE 32400-32425 GET A CHARACTER FROM THE KEYBOARD. THIS
SUBROUTINE IS USED FREQUENTLY IN GM
32410 PRINTCHR*(95 > s

sREM *** PRINT CURSOR. ANOTHER CHARACTER COULD BE USED AND PROBABLY SHOULD BE SO
YOU CAN TELL BY LOOKING AT THE CURSOR THAT A INKEY* SUBROUTINE IS BE RUN
32420 QA*=INKEY*

sREM *** THIS MAKES THE COMPUTER ’FORGET' ANY KEYS PRESSED BEFORE REACHING THIS
LINE

32425 QA*=INKEY*:IFQA*<" "THEN32425ELSEPRINTCHR* < 8)QA*;s RETURN

32427 REM *** LINES 32430-32440 TELL THE USER WHEN LOADING OR RECORDING OF FRAME
S IS DONE

32430 CLS s PR I NTCHR* (23) s PR I NT5>538, " DONE "

32440 G0SUB32480s G0T032090

32470 REM *** LINE 32480 IS A DELAY SUBROUTINE
32480 FORQD=OTO1400s NEXTsRETURN

32485 REM *** LINES 32490-32500 GET THE STARTING AND FINAL FRAME NUMBERS FOR A R
ANGE OF FRAMES

32490 QC=1s G0SUB32510 s QA=QEs QC=2 s G0SUB32510s QB=QEs PRINT s QC=SGN(QB-QA)sIFQC=0THEN
QC=1ELSEIFQC<OTHENPRINT" YOU WANT REVERSE ORDER (Y/N)G0SUB32400:PRINT:IFQA*<>
"Y"THEN32490
32500 RETURN

32505 REM *** LINES 32510-32520 ARE A MULTIPURPOSE MESSAGE AND FRAME NUMBER ENTR
Y SUBROUTINE. THIS COMPLICATES THE PROGRAM BUT SAVES MEMORY

32510 PRINTSIFQC<4THEN32514ELSEIFQC=6THENPRINT"# OF FRAME TO BE DUPLICATED";ELSE
PRINT"#’S OF 2 FRAMES TO BE ";sIFQC=4THENPRINT"C0MBINED";ELSEPRINT"TRADED";

32511 G0T032520

32514 IFQC=1PRINT"START";ELSEIFQC=2PRINT"END";ELSEPRINT"PRINTING AND RETURN";

32515 PRINT"ING WITH FRAME #";

32520 PRINT" <1-"STR*(FC)")";:G0SUB32400:QE=VAL(QA*>-1sIFQE+1>FCORQE<0G0SUB32530
:G0T03251OELSERETURN

32525 REM *** LINES 32530-32540 ARE AN ERROR MESSAGE SUBROUTINE USED WHEN AN ILL
EGAL FRAME NUMBER IS ENTERED
32530 PRINT"

FRAME #"FC"IS THE LAST

NUMBER IS TOO ";sIFQE<OPRINT"SMALL"ELSEPRINT"LARGE
32540 RETURN

32545 REM *** LINE 32550 IS A PAUSE SUBROUTINE

32550 PRINT"PRESS ANY BUT A CONTROL

KEY TO CONTINUE";sG0SUB32400sPRINT:RETURN

32560 REM *** LINES 32570-32580 ACCEPT TWO FRAME NUMBERS. THIS SUBROUTINE IS USE
D BY THE UNITE FRAMES & TRADE FRAMES OPTIONS. A COMMA IS AUTOMATICALLY PUT BETWE
EN THE TWO FRAME NUMBERS YOU TYPE
32570 G0SUB32510:QA=QE:PRINT",";

32580 G0SUB32410 s QB=VAL < QA*)-1sIFQB+1>FCORQB< OTHENQE=QB s G0SUB32530 SPRINT"ENTER 2

ND FRAME #? ";sG0T032580ELSERETURN

32585 REM *** LINES 32590-32605 PRINT A FRAME

32590 CLS sIFCM(QE)=2PRINTCHR*(23);

32600 F0RQF=0TQ3s PRINTSC*(QF,QE);sNEXTsPRINTLEFT*(SC*<4,QE),LEN(SC*(4,QE))-l);sQ
G=ASC (RI GHT* (SC* (QF. QE) , 1) ) s I F32< QGANDQG< 192P0KE16384-CM (QE) , QG+32* (95< QGANDQGC 1
28)

32605 RETURN

32607 REM *** LINE 32610 ASKS THE USER TO CONFIRM HIS CHOICE OF THE DIFFERENT OP
TIONS WHICH GM OFFERS

32610 CLS:PRINTQA*" (Y/N)";s G0SUB32400:QD=QA*< >"Y"I RETURN

32615 REM *** LINES 32620-32625 ARE USED WHEN NO MORE FRAMES CAN BE STORED. IF F
EWER THAN 9 FRAMES ARE STORED BUT THERE ISN’T ENOUGH STRING SPACE TO HOLD A FRAM
E, YOU’RE TOLD THERE IS ’INSUFFICIENT STORAGE’

32616 REM *** IF 9 FRAMES ARE STORED, YOU’RE TOLD ’FRAME STORAGE IS FULL’

32620 PRINT:IFMF<FCPRINT"FRAME STORAGE SPACE IS FULL"ELSEPRINT"INSUFFICIENT STOR
AGE"

32625 G0SUB32550:G0T032090

32627 REM *** LINE 32630-32664 STORE A FRAME

32630 QD=15360s CM(QE)=1+PEEK(16445)/8:0NERR0RG0T032664:QH=CM(QE)-1s F0RQF=0T04: SC
*(QF,QE)=STRING*((205-QH-(CM(QE)=2))/CM(QE),32)sQI=VARPTR(SC*(QF,QE)):QI=PEEK(QI
+ 1)+256*PEEK(QI+2)+65536*(127<PEEK(QI+2)):FORQG=QH+1T0205STEPCM(QE):POKEQI, PEEK(
QD):QI=QI +1:POKEQD,32

32640 QD=QD+GM(QE):NEXTsIFCM(QE)=20R(CM(QE)=1ANDQF=3)THENQH=1-QH
32650 NEXT:IFFC=QETHENFC=FC+1:RETURNELSERETURN

32664 IFERR=10ANDERL=32630THENQI=QI-65535:RESUMENEXTELSEONERRORGOTOOs
REM USED WHEN KEYBOARD/EXPANSION INTERFACE MEMORY BOUNDARY IS CROSSED

32669 REM *** LINE 32670 PRINTS AN ERROR MESSAGE

32670 PRINT"

FRAME STORAGE IS EMPTY"sG0SUB32480:RETURN

32675 REM *** LINE 32680 EVALUATES A LOGICAL EXPRESSION WHICH CHECKS TO SEE IF A
FRAME CAN BE STORED

32680 QD=MF< FCORFRE (""XI024/ (PEEK (16445) /8+1) +408: RETURN

32685 REM *** LINE 32690 CALCULATES THE LENGTH OF A FRAME AND CALCULATES THE AMO

UNT OF STRING STORAGE WHICH CAN BE USED FOR STORING FRAMES

32690 QD=0:F0RQF=0T04s QD=QD+LEN(SC*(QF,QE))s NEXT:QH=FRE("")-408:RETURN

when it detects an error. Depending on
the error and where it occurs, Graphics
Manager will either go to the menu or
repeat the question you answered
incorrectly.

If you ask for any option other than
load, return, or quit when no frames are
stored, the program will tell you that
frame storage space is empty. If you try
to store, load, duplicate, or unite two
frames when nine frames are stored, the
program says frame storage space is full.
If there are fewer than nine frames
stored and too little memory to hold an¬
other frame when you try to do one of
the four things just listed, Graphics
Manger will tell you that frame space is
insufficient to store a frame.

If you ask Graphics Manager to print
frames on paper, it checks the printer. If
the printer isn’t on-line, the program
says the printer isn’t ready and then asks
you again if you want frames printed on
the MX-80.

You also get an error message if you
try to combine two frames which have
different width chacters. Whenever you
enter a frame number, Graphics Man¬
ager checks to see if it is in the proper
range.

Adding Graphics Manager
To Another Program

Figure 1 lists the steps you should fol¬
low to append Graphics Manager to an¬
other program you have recorded
separately. These instructions are for a
Level II cassette system but should work
for most related systems. The program
to which Graphics Manager is to be
added should have line numbers greater
than 0 and less then 32049. You can
have line numbers greater than 32690
but those lines will have to be either
typed after Graphics Manager has been
added or appended to the combination
of Graphics Manager and the low-num¬
bered lines of the graphics creation
program.

The common method of merging pro¬
grams in Figure 1 works by setting the
address of the beginning of Basic pro¬
gram storage to the address of the end of
the program in memory. That moves the
beginning of Basic program storage to
just after your program so cload, new,
and list won’t affect your hidden pro¬
gram. Graphics Manager is loaded next.

Line 0 of Graphics Manager is listed
just so you can see it if you don’t have a
printed copy handy. Next, line 0 is de¬
leted. Then the beginning of Basic pro¬
gram storage is set to its previous value
(which you should have written down
after step 3). Finally, line 0 is retyped so
it is put before the graphics creation
program.

The graphics program you combine
with Graphics Manager must leave 408

April 1983 c Creative Computing

234

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TRS-80 Graphics, continued...

bytes of string storage. If you use an on
error goto statement in your graphics
program, you must execute that state¬
ment every time you return from Graph¬
ics Manager because the program uses
an error handling subroutine. Don’t use
any of the following variables: FC%,
MF%, QB$, SC$ (0-4, 0-MF%), or
CM%(0-MF%).

Figures 2 and 3 give complete instruc¬

tions for adding Sketch/Print or Vector
Plotter. Figures 2 and 3 refer to the
merging process described in Figure 1. If
you add Graphics Manager to Sketch/
Print as shown, you can go to Graphics
Manager and store a frame at any time
after the instructions by pressing the en¬
ter key, or if you want to go straight to
the menu, press the shift and T (escape
code) keys. The shift, T, and enter

keys are used the same way if you com¬
bine Vector Plotter and Graphics Man¬
ager as shown, but you must wait for all
vectors to be drawn before those keys
are recognized.

Calling The Program

To add Graphics Manager to one of
your own programs, you need to know
how to get to Graphics Manager and

Graphics Manager is
written entirely in Basic.

Figure 1. Merging Graphics Manager with Another Program.

Do the following in the command mode:

1. CLOAD first program
2 FIN=16633: ST=16548

3. PRINT PEEK (ST) ; PEEK(ST+1 ) . Writedown the
two numbers printed

4. BRW=PEEK(FIN)<2: POKE ST , PEEK(FIN)-

2 - 256 * BRW: POKE ST+1 , PEEK(FIN+1)+BRW

5. CLOAD Graphics Manager

6. L 1ST 0

7. DELETE 0

8. POKE at 16548 and 16549 the two numbers printed in
step 3

9. Retype line 0

Figure 2. Adding Graphics Manager to Sketch/Print

1. Merge programs

2. Remove CL EAR 2 : DEFINTA-Z: in line 100

3. Insert I FN=13ANDS=0,32050ELSE I FN=27,32090
ELSE at the beginning of line 185

4. Change line 32399 to 32399 GOTO160

Figure 3. Adding Graphics Manager to Vector Plotter.

1. Merge programs

2. Change line 360 to 360 QA$= INKEYS : I FQA$=CHR$
(13)THEN32050ELSEIFQA$=CHR$(27)THEN
32090ELSE360

3. Change line 32399 to 32399 GOTOI 10

4. Remove CLEAR 12: DEFINTA-Z: in line 100

5. Add : B$="" after NEXT in line 350

6. Insert I FQE>=0GOSUB32590ELSE before CLS in line
230

7. Add : QE=- 1 to end of line 100

Figure 5. Bytes of String Spaces Required for an Uncom¬
pressed Frame.

Subframe Number

Character width

2 3 4

Single

205

205 205 205

204

Double

102

103 102 103

102

Figure 4. Variables used by Graphics Manager.

Type

Name

Main Use(s)

Integer

(Maximum number of
frames)-1.

The count of stored
frames.

Number of first frame of
range.

Frame number of final
frame in range.

Increment for loop which
processes a range of
frames.

Number of consecutive
blanks during compres¬
sion. Loop counter in de¬
lay subroutine. Used to
pass a value from main to
subroutines and vice
versa.

Loop counter for frame
numbers.

Loop counter for sub-
frame numbers.

ASC (final character in
frame) when printing
frames, reversing graphics.
Position in subframe dur¬
ing compression.

ASC (character in frame)
when listing ASCII codes,
copying a frame on the
MX-80, and compressing
frames.

Compressed character flag
when using MX-80.
VARPTR (SC$(QF,QE)).
Address of position in
string during frame stor¬
age. Position of first blank
in subframe during com¬
pression.

CM(0-»MF)

Character display mode
for each frame. 1 for sin¬
gle width, 2 for double
width.

Character

QA$

Character entered by user,

string

message sent to selection
confirmation subroutine.

QB$

String of letters which
represent program op¬
tions.

SC$(0 -> 4,0 -* MF)

Screen character storage;
holds frames.

236

April 1983 0 Creative Computing

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TRS-80 Graphics, continued...

back. This can be done in either of two
ways: You can use gosub to jump to
Graphics Manager and return to get
back, or you can use goto to get back.
If you enter Graphics Manager at line
32050, the current screen contents will
be stored if there is room. If you want to
go directly to the menu, enter Graphics
Manager at line 32090. Line 32399 con¬
tains the statement which goes back to
the graphics creation program.

General Design

Graphics Manager is written entirely
in Basic. It is very compact, and, I hope,
efficient. It doesn’t use any read or
data statements, so you can use them in
your own graphics creation program
without problems. It uses as few vari¬
ables as practical. It also uses integer

variables for storing numbers, because
they use less memory and arithmetic is
faster using them. I tried to use variable
names which you probably wouldn’t use
in your graphics program.

Figure 4 lists all the variables used in
Graphics Manager along with a short
description of the use(s) of each. The
variables QA, QB, QC,. . . QI are used
for a variety of short-term purposes.
You may use QA-QI in the graphics cre¬
ation program, and if speed is your goal,
you should use those variables to mini¬
mize the time spent by Level II looking
through the variable storage area.

Graphics Manager uses zero positions
in arrays so memory isn’t wasted. The
user isn’t aware of this since frame num¬
bers go from 1 to the count of stored
frames.

How The Program Works

Frames are stored in an array called
SC$ (screen characters). Level II allows
character strings to be a maximum of
255 characters long. A frame with single
width characters uses 1024 bytes of
string memory so it must be stored as
five strings (which I call subframes). A
frame with double width characters
takes 512 bytes, so it could be stored in
three strings, but I had Graphics Man¬
ager store it in five strings so the pro¬
gram would be simpler. Figure 5 shows
how characters are distributed among
the five strings in each frame.

A subframe is stored by first reserving
the needed space by assigning a string of
blanks to that subframe using the
string$ instruction. Then characters
are PEEKed from video memory and
POKEd into string memory. This method
is fast because it minimizes string space
reallocation (also known as garbage
collection).

When a frame is compressed, each
subframe is compressed by itself and no

Frames are moved by
copying string
addresses and lengths
so no physical
movement of
characters is done.

characters are moved from one subframe
to another. The first blank is searched
for, and, if there is a blank, the next
nonblank character or the end of the
string is searched for. If there is a
substring of two or more consecutive
blanks in a subframe, it is replaced by a
space compression character.

Frame erasure releases the memory
used by the erased frames. If you want a
range of frames which includes the final
frame erased, then erasure is done by
assigning a null string to each subframe
of each frame to be erased. If you want
some beginning frames erased but not
the final frames, then the final frames
are moved down over the frames to be
erased.

Frames are moved by copying string
addresses and lengths so no physical
movement of characters is done. That
method of moving strings is fast and
avoids an os (out of string space) error
when space is tight and a long string is
assigned to a variable which held a short
string. After moving down any strings
which need to be moved, the indicated
number of final frames are erased.

Listing 2. Lines which can be added to GM to test GM.

10 FORI*1TO10«CLS: IFI/2=FIX(I/2)THENFORQE-OTO127: QF=.370079*QE:SET(QE,OF):SET(QE
,47-QF):SET(QE,O)sSET(QE,47):NEXT*F0RQE=0T047sSET<0,QE)iSET(127,QE):NEXT:PRINTQ3
1,1;:G0T030

15 IFI/3*FIX<1/3)THENFORQE=1T07:PRINTSTRING*<128,152)j:NEXT:PRINTSTRING*<127,152
);:P0KE16383,152* PRINTQ31,I;:PRINTQ667,CHR* <34>" THIS FRAME CONTAINS QUOTATION
MARKS"CHR*(34);*G0T030

16 IFI/5=FIX(1/5)THENPRINTCHR*(23)j:F0RQE»1T015*PRINTSTRING*<32,170);:NEXT SPRINT
STRING*<31,178);*P0KE16382,178:PRINTS30,I;*G0T030

20 PRINTCHR* <23);»F0RQE=1T07:PRINTSTRING*<32,32)STRING*<32,146);:NEXT*PRINTSTRIN
G* <32,128)STRING*<31,146);:P0KE16382,146:PRINT330,I;:PRINT364,CHR*<34)"THIS FRAM
E CONTAINS QUOTATION MARKS"CHR*(34);

30 G0SUB32050
40 NEXTI

Listing 3. Assembly Language version of subframe store and scan subroutines.

00100

SUBFRAME STORE, SUBFRAME SCAN (STOSCN)

00110

;

BY JOHN CREW

00120

62 BYTES LONG

WHEN ASSEMBLED

00130

DATE 1/5/82

00140

00150

;***********************************************************

00160

;SUBFRAME STORE SUBROUTINE

00170

00180

;REGISTER

USE <S)

00190

00200

; a

CHR MODE INDICATOR, CHR FROM SCREEN, LSB OF

00210

SCREEN ADDRESS

00220

; b

LEN < SC* < QF,QE))

00230

? C

INCREMENT FOR

SCREEN ADDRESS

00240

S DE

ADDRESS OF LOCATION IN SC*<QF,QE)

00250

; HL

VARPTR < SC* < QF,

QE)), CURRENT SCREEN ADDRESS

00260

;************

***********************************************

7FC2

00270

ORG

32767-61

S<TOP OF 16K MEMORY)-61

7FC2

003C

00280

SCRADD

DEFW

15360

;THIS WILL BE POKED BY GM

00290

;DETERMINE WHETHER SINGLE OR DOUBLE WIDTH CHARACTER

00300

; ARE

BEING DISPLAYED

7FC4

3A3D40

00310

A,<16445)

;GET CHR MODE INDICATOR

7FC7

OEOl

00320

C, 1

;LOAD DEFAULT INCREMENT FOR

00330

;SCREEN ADDRESS

7FC9

00340

;SET FLAGS

7FCA

2801

00350

Z,CONTI

;JUMP IF SNG WIDTH CHRS

7FCC

00360

INC

;MAKE INCR 2 INSTEAD OF 1

7FCD

2A2141

00370

CONTI

HL,<16673)

;GET VARPTR<SC*<QF,QE)>

7FD0

00380

B, <HL)

;GET LEN < SC* < QF,QE))

7FD1

00390

INC

7FD2

00400

E,<HL)

;GET LSB OF STRING ADDRESS

7FD3

00410

INC

7FD4

00420

D, <HL>

5 GET MSB OF STRING ADDRESS

7FD5

2AC27F

00430

HL,<SCRADD)

;GET CURRENT SCREEN ADDRESS

00440

; FILL

ONE SUBFRAME WITH CHARACTERS FROM THE SCREEN

7FD8

00450

STORE

A, <HL)

;GET CHR FROM SCREEN

7FD9

3620

00460

<HL),32

;ERASE CHR ON SCREEN

7FDB

00470

< DE),A

;STORE CHR IN SC*(QF,QE)

00480

;INCREMENT SCREEN ADDRESS

7FDC

00490

A, L

;GET LSB OF SCREEN ADDRESS

7FDD

00500

ADD

A, C

;INCREMENT LSB OF ADDRESS

7FDE

3001

00510

NC,C0NT2

7FE0

00520

INC

;ADD 1 TO H BECAUSE OF CARRY

238

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

TRS-80 Graphics, continued...

If you are still confused by the method
used to erase frames, consider this exam¬
ple. Suppose you have seven frames
stored and you want 4 and 5 erased. The
range of frames you want erased doesn’t
include the final frame, so frames 6 and
7 must be moved down over 4 and 5
respectively. At this point 4 is the same
as 6 and 5 is the same as 7. You wanted
two frames erased, so two frames at the
end are erased. The count of stored
frames is reduced by two. The result is
as if frames 4 and 5 were taken out.

Trading (swapping) two frames is
done by exchanging string addresses and
lengths.

Duplication of a frame is done by
assigning the subframe of the frame be¬
ing copied to an end location in the
frame storage array. You can’t copy a
frame if there isn’t room to hold the
copy.

I didn’t copy a frame by copying
string addresses and lengths because I
was afraid Level II would later make an
actual copy of the string. I experimented
a little with copying a string by setting
the pointer and length of the second
string to the pointer and length of the
first and found Level II won’t make an
actual copy when it does garbage
collection.

I suspect that if two strings have the
same pointer and length and you use the
name of one of those strings anywhere in
an assignment statement, an actual copy
of the original string will be made. I
didn’t use that method because I didn’t
know if it worked under all circum¬
stances. I leave it to you to experiment
with that method. If it works, you could
easily change Graphics Manager to copy
frames that way.

Unlike some graphics reversal sub¬
routines I have seen, mine is fast, ef¬
ficient, and doesn’t disturb nongraphics
characters. A blank space or graphics
blank is replaced by a completely white
graphics character.

I had an odd problem with line 32388
in the program. Sometimes extra charac¬
ters would appear at the end. This prob¬
lem seems to occur when a line of about
250 characters is listed after a line of 255
characters. I think Level II doesn’t clear
the output buffer after listing a very long
line so the next long line gets some
characters from the previous one.

When this problem occurs, remove
the unwanted characters from the line in
which they appear using the edit mode.
Then list a short line. Next list the line
which had extra characters and you
should see only the desired characters in
that line. To avoid the problem, either
use short lines or don’t list the program
unless you are willing to go through the
corrective steps mentioned before.

In a few places Graphics Manager

7FE1

00530

C0NT2

L, A

;PUT NEW LSB IN L

00540

;ADJUST

DESTINATION

POINTER AND COUNTER

7FE2

00550

INC

;INC POINTER TO SC*(QF,QE)

7FE3

10F3

00560

DJNZ

STORE

7FE5

22C27F

00570

(SCRADD),HL

;STORE SCREEN ADDRESS

7FE8

00580

RET

;RETURN TO BASIC

00590

;***********************************************************

00600

;SUBFRAME SCAN

SUBROUTINE

00610

00620

;REGISTER

USE(S)

00630

00640

; A

CHR BEING SEARCHED FOR (A QUOTATION MARK)

00650

; BC

LEN(SC*(QF,QE))

00660

; DE

ADDRESS OF SC*(QF,QE), VARPTR(SC*(QF,QE))+2

00670

; HL

VARPTR(SC*(QF,QE)), ADDRESS OF SC*(QF,QE), A

00680

0 IS PUT IN

HL IF A QUOTATION MARK IS FOUND

00690

OTHERWISE A

NONZERO NUMBER IS LEFT IN HL

00700

;***********************************************************

7FE9

2A2141

00710

SCAN

HL,(16673)

;GET VARPTR(SC*(QF,QE))

7FEC

0600

00720

B, 0

7FEE

00730

C,(HL)

;BC HOLDS LEN(SC*(QF,QE)>

7FEF

00740

INC

7FF0

00750

E,(HL)

;GET LSB OF STRING ADDRESS

7FF1

00760

INC

7FF2

00770

D,(HL)

;GET MSB OF STRING ADDRESS

7FF3

00780

DE, HL

;PUT STRING ADDRESS IN HL

7FF4

3E22

00790

A, 34

;ASCII FOR QUOTATION MARK

7FF6

EDB1

00800

CPIR

7FF8

2003

00810

NZ,GOBACK

;JUMP IF NOT FOUND

7FFA

210000

00820

HL,OOOOH

;INDICATE IT WAS FOUND

7FFD

C39A0A

00830

GOBACK

2714

;RETURN RESULT TO BASIC

0000

00840

END

OOOOO TOTAL ERRORS

CONTI 7FCD
C0NT2 7FE1
GOBACK 7FFD
SCAN 7FE9
SCRADD 7FC2
STORE 7FDS

Listing 4. Relocating Basic loader for subframe store and scan Machine Language
subroutines.

5 CLS: PRINT"RELOCATING LOADER FOR STORE & SCAN MACHINE LANGUAGE SUBROUTINES"!P
RINTTAB(24>"BY JOHN CREW":PRINTTAB(27)"1/6/8Z"

10 CLEAR 300: DEFSNG E: DEFINT L, Ms PRINT: INPUT"ENTER MEMORY SIZE (IF YOU DO
N'T WANT IT TO BE 32706)";A*I IFVAL(A*)=0 THEN E=32706-2 ELSE E=VAL(A*)-2
20 GOSUB 95: POKE16561,LSB: POKE16562,MSB: CLEAR6553: REM SET MEMORY SIZE AN
D SET ASIDE STRING STORAGE

30 E=PEEK(16561)+256*PEEK(16562)+2: PRINT "MEMORY SIZE =" E: E=E+2: GOSUB 95

: E=E-2: PRINT: PRINT "ADD THIS TO THE BEGINNING OF LINE 32630 IN GM:": PRIN

TTAB(10)"POKE16526," LSB ":POKE16527,"MSB

40 S=0: FOR I=E TO E+61: READ N: S=S+N: GOSUB 105: NEXT: IF S04481 THEN CL
S: PRINT"THE SUM OF THE DATA IS SUPPOSED TO BE 4481; NOT"S: END: REM POKE MACHI
NE LAGUAGE PROGRAM INTO BEGINNING OF RESERVED MEMORY

50 GOSUB 95: I=E+20: GOSUB 100: I=E+36: GOSUB 100: REM ADJUST TWO MEMORY REFER

ENCES IN MACHINE LANGUAGE PROGRAM

60 PRINT: PRINT"MACHINE LANGUAGE PROGRAM HAS BEEN POKED INTO MEMORY STARTING AT
LOCATION" STR*(E)"."

70 PRINT: PRINT"PREPARE GRAPHICS MANAGER FOR LOADING.

PRESS ANY KEY EXCEPT 'BREAK' WHEN YOU ARE READY TO LOAD GM."

80 A*=INKEY*

90 IF INKEY*=""THEN 90 ELSE PRINTTAB(22)"» NOW LOADING <<": CLOAD
95 MSB=INT(E/256): LSB=E-256*MSB: RETURN

100 N=LSB: G0SUB105: 1=1+1: N=MSB: G0SUB105: RETURN: REM POKE UPDATED ADDRE

SSES FOR A LOAD INSTRUCTION

105 POKE 1+65536*(32767CI), N: IF NXPEEK(1+65536*(32767<I)) THEN PRINT: PRINT"E

RROR: DATUM WASN'T STORED":

CLEAR: END

ELSE

RETURN

110

DATA 0, 60, 58, 61,

64,

14, 1,

183,

40,

1, 12, 42

120

DATA 33, 65, 70, 35,

94,

35, 86,

42,

196,

127, 126,54

130

DATA 32, 18, 125, 129,

48,

1, 36,

111,

19,

16, 243, 34

140

DATA196, 127, 201, 42,

33,

65, 6,

78,

35, 94, 35

150

DATA 86, 235, 62, 34,

237,

,177, 32

, 3,

33,

0, 0, 195

160 DATA 154, 10

Listing 5. Lines in GM which are modified to use the two Machine Language
subroutines.

32240 QA*="SAVE FRAME(S) ON TAPE":G0SUB32610:1FQDTHEN32090ELSEG0SUB32490:POKE165
26,233:POKE16527,127:FORQE=QATOQBSTEPQC:F0RQF=0T04:IFUSR(SC*(OF,DE))=OTHENPRINT"
FRAME"QE+1"CONTAINS A QUOTATION MARK AND WOULDN'T LOAD RIGHT":QE=QB:NEXTQE:G0T03
2440

32260 NEXT:NEXT:PRINT"ADVANCE TAPE TO A BLANK PLACE":G0SUB32550:FORQE=QATOQBSTEP
QC:PRINT#-1,CM(QE),CHR*(34)SC*(O,QE):FORQF=1T04:PRINT#-1,CHR*(34)SC*< QF,QE >:NE X T
: 0UT255,4: PR I NT "FRAME #"QE+1 "SAVED" : G0SUB32480,: NEXT: G0T032430

32630 POKE16526,196:POKE16527,127;CM(QE)=1+PEEK(16445)/8:P0KE32706,O:P0KE32707,6
O:QH=CM(QE)-1:F0RQF=0TQ4:SC*(QF,QE)=STRING*((205-QH-(CM(QE)=2))/CM(QE),32 >:QA*=U
SR(SC*(QF,QE)):IFCM(QE)=20R(CM(QE) = 1ANDQF=3> THENQH=1-QH

April 1983 ° Creative Computing

239

TRS-80 Graphics, continued...

ends a loop early because some special
condition is detected. This is done by
setting the loop index to its final value
and then executing a next for that loop.
This is done in line 32130, the search of
the command string, if a match is found.
It is also done when reversing graphics
characters if a compressed frame would
expand more than there is room for.

Modifying And Extending The Program

I grew tired of waiting for a frame to
be stored and found that frames with
quotation marks in them wouldn’t be
loaded properly, so I wrote the two
assembly language subroutines shown in
Listing 3. The first subroutine stores a
subframe after space has been reserved

Partial sample run of Graphics Manager.

for it. The second scans a string for a
quotation mark. If a quotation mark is
found, the subroutine returns a 0; if none
is found, a nonzero number is returned.
The machine language string scan sub¬
routine is much faster than scanning a
string in Basic, using a loop and the
mid$ function to check every character.

To put the two machine language sub¬
routines in memory you can either use
an assembler to make a system format
tape and then load it, or, if you prefer
Basic, you can use the Basic program in
Listing 4 to put the two machine lan¬
guage subroutines in high memory. The
program in Listing 4 sets the memory
size for you and lets you put the ma¬
chine language program in memory

starting at any high address. It checks
each byte of the machine language pro¬
gram to make sure it was POKEd prop¬
erly. If you have a bad memory location
or you ask for the machine language
program to be put in nonexistent mem¬
ory, you are told that a datum (part of
the machine language program) wasn’t
properly stored.

To make Graphics Manager work
with the two machine language pro¬
grams, lines 32240, 32260, and 32630
should be changed to match Listing 5.
Delete 32640 and 32664. If you use the
Basic program to put the machine lan¬
guage into memory, you can remove
CLEAR6553: from line 0. The program
in Listing 4 ends with cload so Graph¬
ics Manager will be automatically
loaded, so I suggest you record the
modified version of Graphics Manager
right after it.

The program or program segments
which appear in Listings 3 through 5 are
written for a system with 16K of free
memory. If you know Basic well and
know a little assembly language, you
could easily modify them for a different
amount of free memory.

Extensions and Modifications

Some features you might want to
incorporate into Graphics Manager are
disk storage and retrieval of frames, and
storage of more than nine frames at once
(you would need to change the subframe
number entry subroutines). You might
also clear more string space (If you
have more than 16K of free RAM, I
recommend CLEAR 1024*N + 409 with
N equal to the number of frames you
want to be able to store at once); give
each frame a name and search for a
frame by name on tape, disk, and in
memory; rewrite some of Graphics Man¬
ager in assembly language; allow storage
and manipulation of partial frames; al¬
low switching of frames from single to
double width characters and vice versa;
or write an assembly language program
to load a frame containing a quotation
mark.

Some more exotic features you might
want to add are: top-bottom reflection of
a frame; right-left reflection of a frame;
shifting a frame right, left, up, or down;
and rotating graphics about a user speci¬
fied center. You might want to modify
Sketch/Print and/or Vector Plotter so
they could use double width characters.

Closing Notes

I hope you have found a useful pro¬
gram or learned something from this se¬
ries. I worked extremely hard preparing
it—experimenting, writing, and rewrit¬
ing and I ask you to have the decency
not to distribute my programs for your
own profit. □

April 1983 ° Creative Computing

GRAPHICS MANAGER BY JOHN CREW 2/2/82

A - PRINT ASCII CODES
C - COMPRESS FRAME(S)

D - DUPLICATE A FRAME
E - ERASE FRAME(S)

G - REVERSE GRAPHICS
L - LOAD FRAME(S) FROM TAPE
P - PRINT FRAME<S)

Q - QUIT

R - RETURN TO MAIN PROGRAM
S - SAVE FRAME<S) ON TAPE
T - TRADE (SWAP) TWO FRAMES
U - UNITE (COMBINE) TWO FRAMES

6552 FREE BYTES OF FRAME STORAGE

COMMAND? L

LOAD FRAME(S) FROM TAPE <Y/N>? Y
HOW MANY FRAMES DO YOU WANT LOADED? 0
FRAME # O IS THE LAST
NUMBER IS TOO SMALL
ONLY ROOM FOR 6 MORE FRAME<S)

HOW MANY FRAMES DO YOU WANT LOADED? 2

INSERT TAPE AND PRESS PLAY BUTTON
PRESS ANY BUT A CONTROL
KEY TO CONTINUE?

FRAME # 1 LOADED
FRAME # 2 LOADED

DONE

GRAPHICS MANAGER BY JOHN CREW 2/2/82

A - PRINT ASCII CODES
C - COMPRESS FRAME(S)

D - DUPLICATE A FRAME
E - ERASE FRAME(S)

G - REVERSE GRAPHICS
L - LOAD FRAME(S) FROM TAPE
. P - PRINT FRAME(S)

Q - QUIT

R - RETURN TO MAIN PROGRAM
S - SAVE FRAME(S) ON TAPE
T - TRADE (SWAP) TWO FRAMES
U - UNITE (COMBINE) TWO FRAMES

4 504 FREE BYTES OF FRAME STORAGE

COMMAND? P

PRINT FRAME(S)

STARTING WITH FRAME # (1 - 2>? 2
ENDING WITH FRAME # (1-2)? 1
YOU WANT REVERSE ORDER <Y/N>? Y

COPY ON MX—80 <Y/N>? N

NOW AND AFTER EACH FRAME IS PRINTED, PRESS ANY BUT A CONTROL
KEY TO CONTINUE?

240

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OTHER BEGINNERS. Methods, sugges¬
tions and activities for teaching pro¬
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information, plus Be the
Computer simulation.
Includes transparency
masters, resources such as
classroom rules, biblio¬
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Broadly graded. Can be
used with any one of the
three editions of Computer
Programming for Kids and
Other Beginners—% 9.95.

STERLING SWIFT

PUBLISHING

COMPANY

CIRCLE 283 ON READER SERVICE CARD

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VAC Audio Cassette Interface.
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Yes, Please send me:

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MODEL#

NAME

PRICE

TOTAL (In Texas, add 5% sales tax)

IMMEDIATE DELIVERY —

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CIRCLE 278 ON READER SERVICE CARD

sens ...shop! programs... shoi

Ralph The
Mind Reading
Computer

W. Don Bunn

When my wife volunteered to run a
booth at a PTA carnival at my daughter’s
school she wanted to do something dif¬
ferent. So, when I got home, she asked
me if I might come up with something
using our new Apple computer. I was on
the spot because of the many times I had
spoken in glowing terms of the many uses
of a home computer. The result of my
dilemma was the following program.

You pick a number between 1 and 10,
the program tells you to manipulate the
number in various ways and then gives
you the number you end up with.

The algorithm is given in Table 1. The
listing is given in Listing 1.

The program is divided into two parts.
The first half of the program does the
“mind reading.” The second half checks
your math if you and the computer don’t
agree.

Ralph was a great success at the PTA
carnival. In fact he was such a great hit
that we had to have three children playing
at a time to cut down the length of the
line for those waiting to play.

The most often heard comment was
“How did it do that?” There were several
repeaters, which was amazing when you
consider the kids were choosing to do
math problems over games which gave
prizes. □

W. Don Bunn, 25308 E. 68th St., Broken Arrow,
OK 74012.

Table 1.

Action

Result

Pick a number between 1 and 10

Double it

Add an even number supplied by the computer

2X + 2Y

Divide by 2

X + Y

Subtract the original number

Add a random number supplied by the computer

Y + Z

Computer output

ANS = Y + Z

Listing 1.

REM MIND READER PROGRAMMED BY
DON BUNN

REM 1 / 14/ 81 BROKEN

, OK

ARROW

INPUT "ARE YOU READY TO
ME READ YOUR MIND ";J*

HAVE

IF J* = "Y" GOTO 60

GOTO 30

SPEED= 25

HOME

PRINT "MY NAME IS THE ’GREAT

RALPH’ THE WORLDS GREATEST M
IND READING COMPUTER"

100 PRINT s GOSUB 660
110 PRINT "YOU WILL NEED TO DO S
OME MATH SO PENCIL AN

D PAPER WILL BE PROVIDED IF
YOU NEED THEM. NO CALCULA
TORS PLEASE!

120

GOSUB

660

130

X = INT <5 * RND

( 1 ) ) +

: Y

= X

+ X

140

Z = INT <10 * RND

< 1 > ) +

1 :

ANS ■

X + Z

160

HOME

190

PR I NT

"THINK OF A

NUMBER

BET

WEEN

1 AND 10"

200

: GOSUB 660

210

"ADD THE NUMBER TO

ITS

ELF"

220

: GOSUB 660

230

"ADD " 5 Y

240

: GOSUB 660

250

"DIVIDE BY 2

260

: GOSUB 660

270

"SUBTRACT THE NUMBER

OU FIRST THOUGHT

OF FROM

HE NUMBER YOU HAVE

NOW"

280

: GOSUB 660

290

"ADD THE NUMBER ";Z

300

: GOSUB 660

310

"THE NUMBER

YOU HAVE

OW IS

"; ANS

320

GOSUB

660

330

INPUT

"IS THIS THE

RIGHT

ANS

WER?

<Y/N) ";D*

340

350

GOSUB

680

360

IF YES * 0 GOTO 430

370 FOR W = 1 TO 12: PRINT CHR*

<13): NEXT W

380 PRINT "THE ’GREAT RALPH’ IS
NEVER WRONG!"

390 PRINT : FOR W = 1 TO 10: PRINT
CHR* <7>: NEXT W
400 GOSUB 660
410 GOTO 30
420 GOSUB 660

430 PRINT "BECAUSE THE ’GREAT RA
LPH’ ALMOST NEVER MAKES A M
ASTAKE OOPS!

440 POKE 37,21: PRINT
450 PRINT "MAKES A MISTAKE LETS
CHECK YOUR MATH.

460 GOSUB 660

470 INPUT "WHAT NUMBER DID YOU T
HINK OF ";T
480 R = T + T
490 GOSUB 660

500 PRINT "NOW "sT;" ADDED TO ";

T;" EQUALS "sR
510 S = R + Y
520 GOSUB 660

530 PRINT "I ASK YOU TO ADD ";Yj
" AND ";R;" + "jY;" = "jS
540 U = S / 2
550 GOSUB 660

560 PRINT "I ASK YOU TO DIVIDE B
Y 2 AND "

570 PRINT Sj" DIVIDED BY 2 EQUAL
S "jU

580 V = U - T
590 GOSUB 660

600 PRINT "I ASK YOU TO SUBTRACT
THE NUMBER YOU FIRST THO
UGHT OF WHICH WAS ";T;" AND"

610 PRINT U;" - "jT;" = ";V
620 Q = V + Z
630 GOSUB 660

640 PRINT "I ASK YOU TO ADD ";Zs
" AND ";V;" + "?Z;" = ";Q
645 GOSUB 660» GOSUB 660
650 GOTO 370

660 FOR I * 1 TO 2000: NEXT I: PRINT
CHR* (7)

670 RETURN

680 IF D* = "Y" THEN YES = 1: RETURN
690 IF D* = "N" THEN YES = O: RETURN
700 INVERSE : PRINT "PRESS ’Y’ 0
R ’NNORMAL : GOTO 330

242

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

Miii friNMiiini

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JITTER AND GHOST FREE IMAGE
SO,,,,,A COMPUTER WITH
BMC DISPLAY DOES IT MUCH BETTER!!!

If you choose your display monitor with the same care you’ve given to the other components
of your business or personal computer system, you’ll choose BMC.

The BM|-12AU features a P31 picture tube that gives you a large, bright 12inch diagonal green
display with a bold 80x24 character format that is remarkably easy on your eyes. And each
unit is given a careful underscan adjustment at the factory so even the corners are clear and
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• Semiconductors:

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• Video Amp Bandwidth: 15 MHz

• Display Format:

1920 Characters max. (80 char. X 24 lines)

• Power Input: AC 120V, 60Hz/230V, 50Hz
• Power Consumption: 26W

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CIRCLE 122 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Controller Corner

MICRO¬

SWITCHES

POT 1

Build An

Airplane Controller
For Your Computer

The first article in this series on home
built controls for the personal computer
detailed the rebuilding of existing paddles
and joysticks to improve their electrical
performance, beef them up mechanically,
and give them a better feel (Creative
Computing , February 1983, pp. 140-150).
This month we will tell you how to build
a new type of control, one which can't be

Tom & Kelda Riley, 1002 Lewis Ave., Rockville,
MD 20851.

Tom and Kelda Riley

purchased at any price. We call it an
airplane wheel; a pilot might refer to it as
the control yoke.

The control has two pushbuttons and
provides two analog inputs. The first is
the degree of turn of the wheel, and the
second is the position of the wheel for¬
ward and back. These actions insure that
the airplane wheel control closely imitates
the actual controls of a small aircraft.

There are several airplane flight simu¬
lator programs and related games on the
market, but they depend on input from
the computer keyboard or from standard
game paddles or joysticks. Unfortunately,

no one flies an airplane by punching keys
on a typewriter, and that isn’t the way
you learn to fly either.

Using the Control

To use this control you sit in a chair in
front of your computer with the leg board
of the control under your legs and the
central wheel support between them.
Thus seated, you can turn the wheel, push
it forward and back, press the push¬
buttons, reach the keyboard, and see the
screen—all without changing position. All
you have to do is plug in the control, run
your flight simulator program using the
paddle rather than the keyboard mode,
and take off. The wiring shown in the
drawings is consistent with the A2-FS1
Flight Simulator program from Sublogic.

The Drawings

Before you get excited and start build¬
ing this device, let’s look briefly at the
drawings. Figure 1 is a sketch of the
completed prototype indicating the leg
board, lower support and struts, the wheel
itself, and the hardwood grips. Note that
two microswitches are mounted in the
grips, potentiometer 0 is mounted in the
wheel axis, and potentiometer 1 is
mounted on the lower back strut.

244

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

NEW from Creative Computing—

Three great books for

Apple, Atari and TRS-80 owners!

Creative Computing has just produced the books you’ve been waiting for—the most informative,
challenging and stimulating volumes yet written for the Apple® Atari® or TRS-80® owner!

THE CREATIVE APPLE

brings you 450 pages of the best articles
and features on the Apple to appear in the
past four years of Creative Computing.
Revised and updated, this wealth of material
gives you dozens of ways to tap the tremen¬
dous potential of your Apple, with informa¬
tion-packed chapters on:

• Graphics • Music • Education • Word
Processing • Business • Applecart

• Software Reviews • Programs-Ready
to Run • Tips for Easier Programming

• Branches

Whether you use your Apple for business,
teaching, home budgeting or just having fun,
you’ll find plenty of ways here to get more
out of it than you ever dreamed!

Tllf

■80

THE CREATIVE APPLE, edited by Mark Pelczarski and Joe
Tate. SVz" x 11", softcover, illustrated. $15.95.

THE CREATIVE ATARI is an invaluable

guide for the average, non-expert user who" knows a little
about BASIC arjd simple programming. The Atari is one of the
most sophisticated consumer graphics devices ever invented.
Yet, because it is so powerful, learning how to use its special
features can be difficult for all but the most skilled program¬
mers. Here’s where THE CREATIVE ATARI can help. Taking
articles, columns and tutorials that previously appeared in
Creative Computing, the authors have updated the material
for maximum learning ease. THE CREATIVE ATARI contains
four main sections:

• An introduction, with a discussion of Atari memory con¬
cepts essential to programming.

• A tutorial on Atari graphics.

• A collection of programming tips, plus information on
non-graphics areas.

• Programs you can type in yourself, with reviews of other
good commercial programs available for the Atari.

You'll’ also find an Appendix with a reference guide to useful
Atari information. Whether you’re a long-time Atari owner or
are just thinking about getting one, this is the book to have!

THE CREATIVE ATARI, edited by D. Small, S. Small and
G. Blank. %Vz" x 11", softcover, illustrated. $15.95.

THE CREATIVE TRS-80 is a complete

guide based on articles that appeared in Creative Computing,
covering everything from games to business applications for
the TRS-80. Chapters include:

• Games, with nine full-length listings you can type directly
into your computer.

• Personal Productivity, with discussions on expense man¬
agement, record keeping and other packages.

• Education, detailing uses for pre-school, elementary and
high school students.

• Business, and making the most of investment opportunities.

• Word Processing, covering Scripsit, LazyWriter and more.

• Programming Tips, Suggestions on structured pro¬
gramming, debugging, error trapping and numerical
techniques.

• Graphics, with advice from experts on how to enhance
your programming capabilities.

• TRS-80 Strings-reprints of this monthly Creative
Computing column.

• Software, and overview of commercial software ranging
from chess to improving your computer’s language
capabilities.

• Hardware, including discussions on new models, printers
and other peripherals.

Your TRS-80 is a wonderful tool for learning, having fun, and
improving the quality of your life. With THE CREATIVE
TRS-80, you'll expand the uses of your machine-and its value
to you-in a hundred new and exciting ways!

THE CREATIVE TRS-80, edited by Ken Mazur. 8tt" x 11",
softcover, illustrated. $15.95.

Registered Trademarks: Apple: Apple Computer Inc.; Atari: Atari Inc.:

TRS-80: Radio Shack Division of Tandy Corp.

For faster service
PHONE TOLL FREE: 800-631-8112

(In NJ call 201-540-0445.)

^ CREATIVE COMPUTING PRESS ^ept HB5F, 39 East Hanover Avenue^
UKfcAIIVfc LUMHUTliyiu PRESS Morris p lains mj 0 7950 1

CREATIVE APPLE: Send me .

. copies at $15.95 each* plus $2 postage

and handling. #18R

CREATIVE ATARI: send me_copies at $15.95 each* plus $2 postage

and handling. # 18B

CREATIVE TRS-80: Send me.

. copies at $15.95 each* plus $2 postage

and handling. #18Y
*CA, NJ and NY State residents add applicable sales tax. Outside USA add $3 postage
and handling charge Shipped airmail only.

CHECK ONE:

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Signature ,

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□ Check here for FREE Creative Computing Catalog.

Available at your local bookstore or computer store.

Controller Corner, continued...

PB I

Figure 2. Side view of airplane wheel.

Figure 2 is a side view that gives much
more detail on assembly of the unit.
Figures 3 and 4 show details of the com¬
ponent parts. Figure 5 is the electrical
schematic, which will be explained in a
separate section.

Construction Materials

The airplane wheel is constructed pri¬
marily of plywood and sheet metal. It can
be built entirely with hand tools, but the
use of a table or radial arm saw and a
power drill will greatly speed up the work.
It is therefore helpful if you have access
to a home workshop or a local high school
woodshop.

The best material to use in constructing
the control is 1/2” hardwood plywood.
We made the prototype out of the maple
plywood door of a discarded kitchen cabi¬
net. Regular fir plywood can be used, but
the unit will not finish as nicely. Plexiglass
scrap, 3/8" or 1/2" thick, would make a
striking unit; plexiglass can be worked
with wood tools if you proceed carefully.
Many plastic suppliers will sell scrap by
the pound at reasonable prices. Solid
hardwood would also produce a good-
looking unit, but it would be necessary to
use a power plane to cut the hardwood
down to the 1/2" thickness required.

The small parts needed to build the
control include plastic washers cut from
coffee can lids and bushings cut from
1/4" (internal diameter) brass tubing. The
latter can be purchased at a local hobby
shop. A scrap of sheet metal, plexiglass,
or Formica will be necessary for mounting
pot 0. The required nuts, bolts, flat
washers, and wood screws are given in
the Parts List.

Construction Steps

Assemble all the materials and parts
you will need for the project. Then start
work by cutting out all the wood, metal,
and plastic parts. The large holes in the
upper and lower supports are included
simply for decoration, to give the control
a lighter, less massive look. They were
cut out with a hole saw in a power drill,
but may be omitted if this tool isn’t readily
available.

The physical size of pots from different
manufacturers varies somewhat, so if you
begin the woodwork before you have the
pots, just drill 3/16" pilot holes for both
the mounting hole and the shaft. When
you obtain the pots you can drill out the
holes for an exact fit.

Potentiometers are designed to be
mounted through thin metal. To mount
them on wood that is too thick for the pot
bushing, first mount the pot on a 1/16" to
1/4” piece of stiff material (aluminum or
steel sheet metal, plexiglass, or Formica)
and then screw this piece securely to the
wood. This is the method used for mount¬

ing pot 0 (see Figure 4). Pot 1 is shown
mounted directly in the wood, but it could
also be mounted in the manner just
described.

When drilling sheet metal, never hold
the work with your hand; the metal will
spin and cut your fingers. Hold the sheet
metal with visegrip pliers or in a bench
vise. Start the holes in any of these mater¬
ials with a pilot hole of about 1/8” in
order to locate exactly the center of the
hole, and back up the drilled piece with
scrap wood to prevent breakout damage.

Observe that the wheel is attached to
pot 0 by set screws tapped into the wood.
Drilling and tapping is usually done in
metal, not wood, but I have found that
hardwoods like oak and maple work satis¬
factorily if the tap has course threads like
the #10-24 shown in Figure 3. No lubri¬
cant is required for tapping in wood. Two
Allen set screws at least 1/2” long are
required. The screws should be drilled at
right angles to each other. The tapping is
most easily accomplished before the steer¬
ing wheel parts are assembled.

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

246

INDUSTRIES, INC.

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Questions & Answers
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22511 Katy Freeway
Katy (Houston) Texas 77450

To Order
1-800-231-3680
800-231-3681

SAVE BIG DOLLARS ON ALL TRS-80* HARDWARE & SOFTWARE

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Controller Corner, continued...

TOP

VIEW

/ V

WHEEL

f — ->

f N

—HARDWOOD

jrDRJLL ,T0 1 SUIT POT

M 1 1

' IT”

1 1 11

A K

J >' f 1 r.

A..., 1.1 .1. S.

r : j

If 1 ! J’V

-1

' l

I. I

T 7TD <V--V

-STOPS

DRILL
*10 -

<S TAP
■24

248

April 1983 c Creative Computing

Did You Hear the One About the

Computer That Talks?

It’s no joke.

With the ECHO speech synthesizer from
Street Electronics whatever you type on the
keyboard, your computer can say. The ECHO’S
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April 1983 ° Creative Computing

251

Controller Corner, continued...

Inside the potentiometer is a small
metal tab that stops the pot from turning
a complete 360 degrees. (Most pots turn
through 300 degrees.) This tab is not very
strong, so stronger stops must be built to
keep it from being accidentally broken in
vigorous play. Figures 2, 3, and 4 show
one stop screwed onto the top support
and two screwed onto the wheel. These
stops can be made from faucet washers
or small rubber feet attached with round-
head screws. You may have to include
flat washers under them if they don’t
touch each other. These stops will be
precisely located during final assembly.

Both of the pots have 2” shafts. These
long-shaft pots are sometimes difficult to
obtain. If you can’t find them locally, you
can order them by mail. The ones for the
prototype were ordered from Newark
Electronics (see Parts List for the
address). The minimum order is $25, so
you may wish to go in with some other
people on an order. Delivery time is four
to six weeks.

Two microswitches are mounted in the
wooden grips for use as pushbuttons.
They are shown in Figure 2 mounted at
the top of the grips; here, they are pressed
with the thumbs. If you prefer, they could
be pointed away from the user or to the
inside of the wheel and pressed with the
index finger. The switches and the #2
mounting bolts, which are extremely
small, were purchased at Radio Shack,
but suitable switches can be purchased
from many mail-order houses. The Radio
Shack switches (Cat. No. 275-016) have a
small metal lever that is attached to the
switch with a rather weak hinge. Rein¬
forcing this hinge with a matchhead-size
dab of silicone sealer helps to strengthen
it.

The microswitches are mounted on the
plywood wheel and covered by the hard¬
wood grips which also have a hidden
groove for the switch wires. The grips on
the prototype were cut from scrap walnut,
so they are particularly attractive.

The plastic washers are inserted wher¬
ever two wood parts would otherwise rub
against each other. They are cut with
scissors from polyethylene coffee can lids;
the central holes were cut with a hand
paper punch. These washers provide
smooth turning while relieving the strain
on the pot shafts.

The three bushings on the supports are
installed where wood moves against the
bolt threads. These bushings were cut
from model shop tubing with a small
triangular file. There is also a bushing in
the one strut which goes over the shaft of
pot 1. Fat metal washers are also used
wherever bolt heads and nuts come in
contact with the wood.

The lower support has built into it a
clamp for the shaft of pot 1. The pot itself
is mounted on the end of one strut and
moves with that strut. The pot was fitted
to the strut and held with silicone sealer.
In constructing the clamp, a pattern of
holes is cut into the support to let the
clamp close down on the shaft when the
#6 nut and bolt and flat washer are tight¬
ened. We strengthened the wood near
the clamp by coating it with epoxy, and
later redrilled the holes.

Sub-Assembly of Wood Parts

After you have cut out all wood parts
and given them a preliminary sanding,
you can begin assembling them. The
lower support is attached to the leg board
with two ^8 x 1” flathead wood screws
and wood glue. Counter-sink the screws

flush with the wood surface. Assemble
the top wheel support in the same way. I
prefer to use Elmer’s Carpenter’s Wood
Glue, but any good quality wood glue will
suffice. Keep a damp cloth handy to wipe
off excess glue.

Next, assemble the wheel hub with
wood glue by putting a 1/4” bolt with flat
washers through the central hole in each
piece. Tighten the bolt to clamp the three
pieces together. The hand grips have to
be custom-fitted to the wheel and holes
for #4 screws drilled through the plywood
wheel, but the grips are not glued on.
Drill mounting holes through the ply¬
wood, not the grips, for the micro¬
switches.

Finishing

If you have done a good job on the
woodwork, then it is worth doing the same
high quality work on the finish. Prepare
the wood by roundipg all corners with a
fine rasp, and sand all surfaces. An orbital
sander is best for this job: start with #80
sandpaper, then do a light sanding with
#120 paper to finish up. The plywood
parts can be stained if you want a dark
finish, or they can be painted with an oil-
base enamel in a color you like.

Now you are ready to apply a stain-
finish polyurethane varnish, using two or
three coats over a stain or one coat over
enamel. The polyurethane will give the
enamel a rich look and keep the enamel
from leaving marks on the furniture or
the floor.

Final Assembly

Pot 0 should now be installed through
its mounting plate. Be sure to make a
small hole for its spin prevention tab.
Screw the mounting plate to the top wheel
support. The four brass bushings are
installed in the following locations: two
in the top support, one in the front hole
of the bottom support, and one in a back
strut. If the bushings fit tightly you will
not need to glue them. The #1 pot is
glued on one of the struts. The hole in the
strut should be drilled out to a snug fit on
the pot bushing (not on the smaller shaft).
Then cut a notch for the tab and glue the
pot with epoxy or silicone sealer to the
strut.

Now attach the struts to the two sup¬
ports, using for each pair two flat washers,
two plastic washers, and a nut. When you
are certain you have the unit assembled
correctly, lock on the nut with Loctite
thread sealant, super glue, or fingernail
polish. The bolts should be tight, but the
struts must move freely when moderate
force is applied. You can also install the
clamp bolt in the lower support at this
time, but do not clamp the pot shaft until
the final adjustments are made.

You may wish to lubricate the bushings
and flat washers with a tiny amount of

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

252

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Controller Corner, continued...

petroleum jelly or candle wax. I think the
wax gives a better feel to the movement
of the finished device.

Now press the wheel on the pot shaft.
You may have to chase the hole with a
drill bit to clear out excess glue and finish.
The big plastic washer goes between the
wheel and the support. If the pot shaft
sticks out of the front of the wheel, you
can either cut off the shaft or install
additional large washers. The wheel stop
on the top support can be installed at this
point, but the two stops on the wheel
itself must be left off until final adjust¬
ments are made.

Electrical Components

Electrically, this unit is just an over¬
grown joystick with two pots and two
pushbuttons. The wiring schematic,
Figure 5, is for the Apple II, but you can
build an airplane wheel for any computer
that can handle a two-pot joystick and at
least one pushbutton. To do it, you must
use the correct pot values, find the right
plug, and make changes (mostly pin num¬
bers) in the electrical wiring. Your task is
simply to search out this information con¬
cerning a standard joystick for your sys¬
tem and copy the electrical connections.

In the prototype, the pot 0 value is
150K ohms, an unusual value but standard
for Apple paddles. The 0 pot should be
long-shafted, completely enclosed, and of
good mechanical construction. The Parts
List gives a suggested manufacturer’s part
number and supplier. If the pot does not
have a screwdriver slot across the end of
the shaft, you will have to cut one with a
hacksaw, since the shaft must be turned
with respect to the wheel for final adjust¬
ment.

Pot 1 is a bit different. This pot does
not turn through its full range. (As noted
earlier, a normal pot will turn through
300 degrees from one stop to the other.)
The struts that move pot 1 will permit
only about 170 degrees of turn. If we
desire a full reading we must use a larger
pot, one that will go from 0 ohms to 150K
ohms over a turn of 170 degrees. We also
have to choose a value for the pot that
will let us purchase the actual item.

For the Apple II, a value of 250K ohms
works very well. Other computers will
require a value about one and one-half
times that of the standard pot. For an
Atari which uses 1 meg-ohm pots, you
will need a 1.5 meg-ohm pot which must
also be long-shafted and mechanically
sound.

The pushbuttons in the prototype are
microswitches that have a metal lever on
top. We purchased them at Radio Shack.
There are three terminals on the bottom
of each switch, labeled C, N.O., and N.C.
We used the one marked C (common)
and the one marked N.O. (normally
open). You may use any type of normally

April 1983 ° Creative Computing

open, momentary contact switch that will
fit neatly on the wheel.

The plug for the Apple II is a 16-pin
DIP header, sometimes called a compo¬
nent carrier. When you solder this device,
be sure to plug it into an unattached 16-
pin socket so that the heat doesn’t loosen
and misalign the pins. The #1 pin of the
plug is marked by a cut-off comer; the
wires normally trail out the end near pin
# 8 .

Figure 5 shows two IK ohm pull-down
resistors from the pushbutton pins #2 and
#3 to ground. If you are very careful, you
can mount these resistors inside the
header itself.

The schematic also shows correction
caps, which are only necessary if the pots
you are using have too low a resistance
value. Their use was explained in the first
article. If you use correction caps, they
can be mounted on a small piece of
printed circuit board about one foot up
the cable. The electrical noise prevention
cap shown in Figure 5 is optional, but
could be mounted beside the correction
caps.

To determine the number of conduc¬
tors required for the cable, count the +5
supply, the two pot wires, and the two
pushbutton wires; you will need five con¬
ductors. If you weren’t able to find exactly

255

Controller Corner, continued...

the pot size you need and are using the
correction caps, you will also need a
ground wire.

I don’t particularly like working with
the flat ribbon cables that are used in
many commercial joysticks; I have
repaired too many broken wires in them.
Radio Shack sells a good four-wire tele¬
phone cable (Cat. No. 278-366) that works
well in constructing controls if you are
careful not to overheat it while soldering.
If you have the correct pot values and
choose to use only one pushbutton, you
could get by with only four wires and run
a single cable. If you need more than four
wires, you should use two runs of cable
and double up the +5 wire.

Soldering Procedures

To do the soldering in this project you
need a small soldering iron (about 25
watts), resin core solder, wire strippers,
and a small pair of long nose pliers.
Figures 2 and 4 show which terminals of
the pots to use for the various wires and
where to route the cable. Start wiring at
the pushbuttons and work back to the
plug. You will need a three-conductor
loop of cable to extend from the wheel to

the back of the top support. It must be
long enough to allow 300-degree rotation
of the wheel. You can work out the cor¬
rect length and location of the anchors
by trial and error.

Before you wire the unit, make two
photocopies of Figure 5. Then, as you
run each wire and make each solder joint,
trace it in on one of the copies, using a
colored pencil. After you have finished
the wiring, it is a good idea to have
another person go over the unit, checking
out the wires with a colored pencil on the
second photocopy of the schematic to
make certain that you haven’t omitted
any connections.

If you have a multimeter you should
also check the resistance from pin #1
( + 5 supply) to pin #8 (ground). You
should always get a reading of at least 50
ohms on any control, and the reading
ought to be much greater. Watch this
reading while pushing the buttons and
turning the pots. It must always be high.

Alignment

Aligning the control requires a simple
program that repeatedly shows the read¬
ing of pots 0 and 1 and the condition,

open or closed, of pushbuttons 0 and 1.
The article in the February issue gives
just such a program, but you can quickly
write your own. Be sure to put a slight
delay between the two paddle readings.
Check out the program on a standard
joystick or paddle before testing your new
creation.

Now turn off the computer and plug in
the new unit, making certain that the #1
pin in the plug is in the correct hole. Turn
on the computer. If it doesn’t start up
exactly as usual , turn off at once and
recheck your work. Now load your check
program and place your airplane wheel in
position under your legs.

We will start the adjustments with pot
0. Turn the airplane wheel slowly and
check that the pot reading goes from 0 to
255. Now center the wheel and, using a
standard screw driver, turn the pot shaft
inside the wheel until the reading is 127
with the wheel centered. Press the wheel
firmly on the shaft and tighten the set
screws.

To locate the two stops on the wheel
(the single stop is already mounted on the
top support), turn the wheel until you feel
one of the stops inside the pot. Now back

Number

Required

Description of Part

Suggested

Supplier

Cost

JA1N200P154UA pot, .15 meg., 2” shaft

Newark

$4.00

JA1N200P254UA pot, .25 meg., 2” shaft

Newark

4.00

(pots manufactured by Allen-Bradley)
#275-016 subminiature lever switch

R.S.

2.80

#2 x 5/8” bolt and nut

R.S.

2.00

20 feet

#278-366 telephone cable, 4-conductor

R.S.

2.40

Header, 16-pin dip

Jameco

.70

16-pin dip socket (temporary solder jig)

Jameco

.70

Resistors, IK ohm, 1/4 watt 5% R.S.

R.S.

.20

2 feet

Hardwood plywood-1/2”

4.00

1 foot

Masonite, 1/8” tempered

2.00

2 feet

Hardwood, 1x2

Scrap

Bolt and nut, #6 x 3/4”

.20

Bolts, 1/4 x 20 x 2”

1.50

Nuts, 1/4 x 20

.30

Flat washers-1/4

.30

Rubber feet with screws

1.70

Flathead screws, #8x1”

.25

Set screws, #10-24 x 1/2”

.50

Flathead screws, #6 x 1/2”

.25

Flathead screws, #4 x 3/4”

.50

Brass tube, 1/4” I.D.

Hobby shop

.60

Coffee can lids, polethylene

Scrap

Sheet metal plate, 2” x 2”

Scrap

2 feet

Cotton felt

1.00

1 ounce

Silicone sealer

1.20

1 pint

Polyurethane varnish

2.00

1 pint

Stain or enamel for finishing

2.00

Misc.

Sandpaper, electrical tape, glue, etc.

.90

Suppliers

Newark Electronics

Jameco Electronics

500 N. Pulaski Rd.

1355 Shore way Rd.

R.S. - Radio Shack

Chicago, IL 60624

Belmont, CA 94002

Approximate Total $36.00

256

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

NEW FOR ATARI FROM MMG MICRO SOFTWARE

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Requires 16K
Disk Only

BASIC COMMANDER

MMG BASIC DEBUGGER

• Single key entry file command*

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- single keys programmed for your own use.
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— scroll up or down by cursor

— edit your whole program easily

— no more LIST line number ranges

• Split screen mode

— view two parts of your BASIC program at once,
and edit both'

— scroll each window independently

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• BLOCK DELETE

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— extensive erux trapping

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— provides a list of variables and the line numbers
in which they are used in your program
PRICE $34 95 • SEARCH FOR PHRASE

Requires 16K — search your BASIC program for any phrase, command or

Disk Only string of characters, let your computer do the searching for you!

THE TWO MOST POWERFUL AIDS AVAILABLE FOR THE ATARI!!

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Require* 24K - Disk Only

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Have you ever wanted to pilot your own plane? Now. thanks to FINAL
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the ATARI

Available on tape or disk - $29 95 Requires 24K

NJ RESIDENTS ADD SALES TAX

ATARI is a registered trademark of ATARI, Inc.

Available At Your Favorite Computer Store

Send a Check or Money Order to:

MMG MICRO SOFTWARE

P.O. Box 131 • Marlboro, NJ 07746

OR CALL

(201) 431-3472

For MasterCard, Visa or COD Deliveries

(Please Add $3.00 For Postage & Handling)

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EVERY NINE MINUTES SOMEONE JOINS
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48 K

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48K

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16K

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16K

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Temple of Apshai16K

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16.80

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16K

11.97

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16K

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48K

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16K

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41.97

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Dunzhin!

48 K

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Buck

13.17

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Normandy

48 K

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13.17

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20.97

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Controller Corner, continued...

off this stop just a little and check that
the reading on the screen hasn’t changed.
Hold the stop in place and mark its center
with a sharp point, like an awl. Repeat
the procedure on the other side for the
third stop. You may have to remove the
wheel to install the stops properly, then
replace and center it again.

To adjust pot 1, pull the wheel as far as
you can, leaving the clamping bolt loose.
Adjust the pot with a standard screw¬
driver until the reading on the screen just
reaches 0. The forward motion must be
stopped by contact of the wood parts, not
by the tab inside the pot. Now lock the
clamp by tightening the clamp bolt. Push¬
ing the wheel back should now bring the
reading all the way up to 255, and a
reading of 127 should be at a center
position that is comfortable to hold. Press
the pushbuttons to make sure they work.

Now load your favorite flight simulator
program or space game and take off.

Finishing Touches

To give the unit a finished appearance
and make it last longer, you may want to
do the following:

• To keep the cable out of your way
and prevent it from being pulled loose,
you can tie it to the wood parts.

• Silicone sealer can be used to cover
the exposed electrical connections and
the back of the plug. This is called
“potting.”

• The ends of the wire loop between
the top support and the wheel should be
mechanically secured. You can tie one
end to the pot with dental floss and sili¬
cone sealer. Likewise, secure the other
end to the wheel with the same materials
and a small screw.

• Gluing felt on one or both sides of the
leg board with contact cement gives a
nice finishing touch to the control.

• You can personalize the finished unit
by placing a paper cutout or a hand-drawn
emblem in the center of the wheel. This
should be done after final pot adjustments
are complete. The prototype is adorned
with the tiger head (easily recognizable
from an ad for a popular printer).

The drawings show the prototype
exactly as built. You almost certainly will
want to make some improvements of your
own, particularly if you build more than
one unit. As mentioned earlier, the clamp
and mount for pot 1 could be strength¬
ened with some sheet metal parts and set
screws.

The wheel axis of the prototype is paral¬
lel to the leg board and floor. A pilot who
tested the unit suggested angling this axis
down a little in back to be more like the
steering wheel of a light plane. This could
be done by adjusting the angles of the
lower support.

The unit shown in the drawings is about
right for most average-size adults. You

could extend the lower support as much
as four inches if-the paddle were to be
used primarily by a taller individual, or
shorten it by two inches for children.

Feedback

We would like to hear about your
experiences in building the airplane
wheel. Let us know about any difficulties
you run into, any instructions that aren’t
clear in this article, or any parts you have
trouble finding. Describe the software you
use and how well it works with the air¬
plane wheel. Please include a self-

addressed, stamped envelope if you want
a reply. Have a good flight.

Coining Up

In the next article we will look at build¬
ing multiple sockets that will bring the
controller plug out of the computer to a
more convenient location beside it. These
multiple sockets will also let you plug in
more than one control at a time so you
can choose the one you want with a
switch, and even use two joysticks at once
for playing two-person competitive
games. □

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somebody lugging one of those 25
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whether they can really cram it
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after a very few minutes at the
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Introducing the

micra-

mnn

FRflfTlE

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

259

Well you may or may not have heard
the news, but the Atari 1200 has arrived.
Here is a first look at the 1200 XL, and
the new wave of peripherals designed to
work with it.

New Member of the Family

The Atari 1200 XL was unveiled on
the East Coast at a press conference at
the Plaza Hotel in New York City. At
least a dozen working units were on dis¬
play there for us computer types to play
with, and that’s exactly what we did, at
great length. The unit should become
available within a few months.

With 64K RAM standard, the 1200
XL also offers 12 user programmable
function keys, international character
set, and built-in diagnostics. Since it is
designed to be entirely compatible with
the models 400 and 800, owners of the
Atari 1200 XL need not wait for soft¬
ware to be developed to run on their ma¬
chines. Although no true innovations are
present in the 1200, Atari apparently
thinks that competitive pricing will
make it a major contender in the home
computer market this year. Though a
list price of $899 was announced, this
will probably drop soon after the unit
becomes available.

Other features of the Atari 1200 XL
are the following: keyboard disable func¬
tion; auto-screen shut-off when un¬
tended; help key; LED power, keyboard
lock, and character set indicators; and
one- touch cursor control.

The single ROM cartridge slot and
two controller jacks have been moved to
the side of the machine. The determina¬
tion was made that the extra slot and
controller jacks on the 800 were super¬
fluous, and would add unnecessary ex¬
pense to the new machine. The
keyboard, in contrast, is of higher qual¬
ity than its counterpart on the model
800.

John J. Anderson

New Peripherals, Too

Three new peripherals were an¬
nounced along with the 1200 XL. The
1010 program recorder will allow in¬
expensive storage and retrieval of data
using audio cassettes. The unit features
data and audio channels, as did its
predecessor, the model 410. It will list
for $100.

The model 1025 80-column printer
will list for $550. It is a customized
Okidata Microline 80, and will run in se¬
rial at a claimed speed of 40 cps. The dot
matrix print is clear and crisp, though
definitely far from letter quality.

The Atari 1200 XL. Certainly in terms of
looks , it's a 10.

The unique 40-column color printer
and plotter, dubbed the model 1020, will
offer text and graphics in four colors at a
list price of $300. It will be capable of
changing the size and style of its charac¬
ter sets, and 16 pen colors will be
available.

The only disk drives I saw in my
extensive snooping about were the old
model 810 clunkers, which are compat¬
ible with the model 1200, but certainly
look out of place next to it. I expect we
will be seeing a new, slimline drive from

Atari within the next half year—with
improved storage in a more streamlined
package.

Conclusions concerning the hard¬
ware? Well, I think it is a bit early to say
yet. I’m going to withhold judgment on
the machine for at least one issue, until I
can actually procure one for investiga¬
tion. The unit has already attracted criti¬
cism, with detractors pointing to the
lack of innovation in its design. True
enough, the substantial technological
lead the 400 and 800 achieved in 1979
has now been largely lost. More than
one manufacturer used these models as
reference points in designing their own
“next-generation” machines. A sincere
form of flattery, to be sure, but also a
growing threat.

Another lament comes disguised as a
blessing: the fact that parallel port and
RS-232 access will be phased out along
with the 850 interface module. The
Atari 1200 XL can drive a serial printer
without resort to ancillary hardware,
and this saves money as well as space.
At the same time, interfacing will be re¬
stricted to serial communication on a
non-standard bus, or connection
through the joystick ports. That is not
exactly my definition of hardware
flexibility. Third-party hardware makers
are especially wary of this design de¬
cision. Without any doubt, Atari
marketing has evidenced interest in
limiting hacker access to its brain¬
children, to the extent of omitting stan¬
dard interface capability. It gives one
pause...

I have some more tidbits to share with
you this month, but first I want to turn
the soapbox over to a good friend from
MACE in Michigan, Marshall Dubin.
He will present a guest tutorial on the
topic of PIA interfacing. With the
information presented here, you can ac¬
tually get your Atari to make the prover¬
bial coffee in the morning.

260

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

Epson, OKI, IDS, NEC, Diablo, Quine

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CIVILIZING COMPUTERS

MPC I $99 (MX 80) MPC II $129 (0KI82)

MPC III $179 (83A, MXIOOfr MCPIV $199 (Daisy Printer)
Power Consol & Ventilation $80
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MPC I SHOWN

CIRCLE 131 ON READER SERVICE CARD

TURN YOUR ATARI 800/400 INTO AN
EXTRAORDINARY BUSINESS COMPUTER
WITH SWP’S ATR8000 AND CO-POWER-88

The ATR8000 is a 64k RAM, Z80, 4MHz processor that runs
up to four 5 Vi" drives of mixed definition. It has a parallel
PRINTER port and a RS-232 port for running a serial printer,
a modem, or for communicating with another terminal. The
ATR8000 interfaces to the ATARI 800/400 or to a RS-232
terminal. Software: double density CP/M 2.2 for the
ATR8000 is included. ATARI users can also run ATARI DOS
and OS/A+.

CO-POWER-88 is a powerful 16-bit 8088 coprocessor that
is available in three RAM sizes: 64k, 128k or 256k. It runs
CP/M-86 or MSDOS, the operating system of the IBM-PC.
Simple commands switch the system between the
Z80|CP/M 2.2 system and the 8088| CP/M-86, MSDOS sys¬
tem. (CO-POWER-88 is available for nearly all Z80 and
8080 CP/M 2.2 computers.)

PRICING:

64k ATR8000 .$750.00

5Vi" Drive . 399.95

OS/A+, Vers. 4. 49.95

4-conn. Dr. Cable. 35.00

2-conn. Dr. Cable. 25.00

Printer Cable. 29.00

8" Drive Adapter. 19.95

256k CO-POWER-88 ... $1049.95
•128k CO-POWER-88 .. 799.95

'64k CO-POWER-88 .. 699.95

256k CO-POWER-88

with CP/M-86. 1250.00

CP/M-86 for C-P-88_ 250.00

MSDOS for C-P-88.-CALL-

*Add-on RAM available. Call.

CONTACT: SOFTWARE

PUBLISHERS, INC.

2500 E. Randol Mill Rd.
Suite 125

Arlington, TX 76011
(817) 469-1181

ATARI 800 & 400 are trademarks of
ATARI, Inc. CP/M and CP/M-86 are
trademarks of Digital Research, Inc.
Z-80 is a trademark of Zilog. IBM-PC
is a trademark of IBM. MSDOS is a
trademark of Microsoft.

AAAA

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CIRCLE 208 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Outpost: Atari, continued...

On the left-hand side of the machine is a single cartridge slot
and two controller jacks.

1 ATAR11025

The Atari 1025 80-column printer is the equivalent to the
Okidata Microline 80.

The Atari 1010program recorder handles a digital and an audio
track.

The Atari 1020 is a 40-column, four-color printer and plotter. At
a list price of $299, it offers much versatility.

If you would like to correspond di¬
rectly with Mr. Dubin, he can be
reached at 2639 Hempstead, Auburn
Heights, MI 48057. The floor is yours,
Marshall.

Interfacing Your Atari

Looking for some “off the beaten
path” type of excitement? Tired of blast¬
ing aliens, running through mazes, and
balancing your checkbook? Are you the
adventuresome type? Well, this could be
the project for you. With a few parts and
a little time in the workshop, you can
have your Atari lighting lights, dialing
phones, reading and regulating thermo¬
stats, and generally communicating with
the outside world.

Through the front controller ports of
the Atari computer, there are available
for your use 16 programmable input/
output pins, eight analog-to-digital in¬
puts, and four input only pins. These
controller ports can be used with inter¬
face circuitry to monitor devices such as

thermostats or light sensors, or to ac¬
tivate relays, motors, and lights.

We’ll discuss various ways of using
the front controller ports to commu¬
nicate with the outside world. For the
braver of you, we will be building an I/O
interface, so that you may sense signals,
and turn on small relays. This will plug
into the front port of your computer and
allow you to connect various real world
devices. (Vic owners should note that
the joystick ports on your machine are
identical to the Atari ports. With the
exception of any software drivers, the
electrical connections should be the
same.)

Please note that this kind of interfac¬
ing may void your warranty. If you are
not sure, check with your dealer or fac¬
tory representative. Also note that ac¬
cidents do happen. It is possible
(although unlikely if you are careful) to
do some drastic damage to your com¬
puter. If you are not sure how to do
something, don't do it. Also keep in

mind that although the power required
for digital work is usually between 5 and
12 volts, a relatively safe level, the pri¬
maries of these power supplies are usu¬
ally 110 volts. Follow these few common
sense rules:

1. Be careful. Always keep high volt¬
age well away from your work area.

2. Be neat. Tangles of wires scattered
around tend to cause short circuits.

3. Never do any wiring or soldering
with the power to the computer turned
on.

4. Use a low heat (25 watt) soldering
iron. Do not use a soldering gun.

Now let’s do some interfacing.

The Basics

As you can see from the pin diagram
in Figure 1, each joystick port has sev¬
eral potential input sources available.
For example, two of the pins are in¬
tended for use with the paddle control¬
lers. These are called the analog pins.
They take an analog source such as vari-

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

263

Outpost: Atari, continued...

able resistance and convert it into a dig¬
ital signal.

This is how the paddles function.
They provide a resistance via a
potentiometer within the paddle unit,
between the analog input pins and +5
volts DC. The computer interprets the
variable voltage as a digital number be¬
tween 0 and 228. This is called “on
board” analog-to-digital conversion.
Units performing a similar function may
be purchased at a hefty price, but Atari
owners have the use of eight of these
units built right in.

For now, let’s concentrate on pins 1-4
on the joystick ports. These are the pins
of the Peripheral Interface Adapter chip,
more commonly referred to as the PIA.
Basically the PIA provides a means of
connecting your computer to
peripherals. The PIA chip can be pro¬
grammed for either input or output.
There are two PIA ports of eight bits
each available for your use.

Joystick ports 1 and 2 compose PIA
port A, while joystick ports 3 and 4
compose PIA port B. Each port is one
byte (eight bits), and they may be used
together or individually to provide input
and output functions. Some of these

functions may be used to drive a printer
or other accessory, or even a series of
power relays which can control alarms,
lights, appliances, motors or other
devices.

The snag involved in controlling
larger interface devices is basically a
problem of taking a small amount of
power and amplifying it. The ports on
your computer are not made to power
anything more than another chip. The
manual recommends a maximum load
of 1 TTL (about one chip) at 50 ma. To
do anything really useful, we must be
able to power at least 12 to 24 volts. This
higher voltage can drive a wide variety
of relays and interfaces.

There are several ways to accomplish
this task. The most common arrange¬
ment is the transistor driver. In this
arrangement the computer provides a
very small voltage which turns on the
transistors which in turn switch the
load. A second way is through the use of
opto-isolators. The computer provides 5
volts which switches the LED (light
emitting diode) of the isolator on. When
the diode is lit, a photo sensitive transis¬
tor, which is connected to a larger load
or a relay, is triggered.

April 1983 ° Creative Computing

264

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CIRCLE 222 ON READER SERVICE CARD

. ■

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•With special PROM and cable.

Outpost: Atari, continued...

A third way, and the one we shall use,
is to employ an integrated circuit inter¬
face chip. The chip we will be using is
the SN7407 made by Texas Instruments.
The 7407 allows switching of up to 30
volts from the 5 volt TTL level of the
Atari, with enough current to handle a
small relay. Using this one chip, we can
drive up to six relays from the Atari
front ports.

The SN7407, as shown in Figure 2, is
an open collector device. To use it prop¬
erly you must connect a 2.2K ohm resis¬

tor from each output to H- 5 volts. This is
called a “pull up” resistor. When an out¬
put of the 7407 is on it is actually
open—so the resistor supplies power to
the device you are driving. You can
drive up to 30 volts at the outputs (but
you may have to tamper with the value
of the resistor somewhat).

When an output is off, it is shorted to
ground, and your device sees 0 volts
(ground actually). The resistor limits
this current to a fairly low value so you
don’t blow the power supply or worse,

the chip. Now this is the sequence of
events*

Atari: HIGH (logic 1)

7407: OFF - Device is OFF.

Atari: LOW (logic 0)

7407: ON - Device is ON.

Since the resistor can’t supply much
current, the resistor/7407 combination
is seen as the “ground side” of the cir¬
cuit. That is, to drive a relay, we connect
power to one side of the relay, and the
other side to the output of the 7407.
Then when we turn the relay on, current
will flow through the relay, and then
through the 7407 to ground.

You can easily drive LEDs (such as
test lights) this way too, as well as a vari¬
ety of small relays or solid state
switches. Just make sure you sink the
current—that is, one end of your driven
device goes to +5 (through a resistor!)
and the other end to the 7407. Sending a
0 (logic level low) to the PIA turns the
device on, and a 1 (logic level high)
turns it off. If you want to do it the other
way around, use the inverting 7406 chip,
which will turn your device on with a
high logic level and off with a low level.

Recognize that the default state of the
PIA when the computer is powered up is
all bits high. If you are using an invert¬
ing 7406, your devices will come alive
when you turn on the Atari. This is why
I prefer to use the 7407, since I can
power up and then have my software
drive the devices by writing a 0 to the bit
from which I want to power a device.

Speaking of bits, a few words are in
order about the structure of the ports be¬
fore you run off to warm up your solder¬
ing iron. The PIA as I mentioned earlier
consists of two ports, port A and port B
(or PORTA and PORTB for you mne¬
monic freaks). These are controlled
through the use of the control registers
for each port, PACTL and PBCTL. You
may have heard of the PACTL because
it is the one you poke to turn on the cas¬
sette player. The addresses are as
follows:

PORTA 54016/SD300 - Port A

address

PORTB 54017/SD301 - Port B

address

PACTL 54018/SD302 - Port A

control

PBCLT 54019/SD303 - Port B
control

When you turn the computer on, the
ports are initialized to $FFFF or all bits
high. To use a port for input, just pull
the bit of your choice low by connecting
it to ground. To use the port for output,
it first must be formatted for output.
The procedure is not complex:

1. poke the control register (PACTL
or PBCTL) with 56/S38 hex.

2. Now poke the port (PORTA or

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CIRCLE 241 ON READER SERVICE CARD

266

April 1983 ° Creative Computing

IT’S TIME TO START WINNING

WITH

NEW from Creative Computing,
for anyone who enjoys electronic games!

I f you’re fascinated by video games,
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Video & Arcade Games ; from the
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CIRCLE 310 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Dot Matrix Printer Interfaces with Apple II

Featuring an Apple 110-compatible parallel
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CIRCLE 105 ON READER SERVICE CARD

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Outpost: Atari, continued...

PORTB) with 255/SFF hex. This speci¬
fies that the port will be used for output.

3. poke PACTL or PBCTL with
60/S3C hex.

4. Now just poke the port (PORTA
or PORTB) with your data.

Essentially you have a total of 16 bits
with which to play. Just remember that

two joystick ports make up one PIA
port. Sticks 0 an 1 are the A side and
sticks 2 and 3 are side B. Each joystick
port is four bits or one nybble. Each side
of the PIA is eight bits or one byte.
When programming for output, you
must remember that a specific bit is driv¬
ing a device. Therefore one joystick port

(+5)

14 13 12 11 10 9 8

1 2 3 4 5 6 7(GND)

Pin Function

1 gate 1 in

2 gate 1 out

3 gate 2 in

4 gate 2 out

5 gate 3 in

6 gate 3 out

7 ground

8 gate 6 out

9 gate 6 in

10 gate 5 out

11 gate 5 in

12 gate 4 out

13 gate 4 in

14 +5 volts DC (VCC)

Figure 2. SN 7407 Diagram.

To computer
front port
(Pins 1-4)

To computer
ground pin
(Pin 8)

Relay contacts
(To switched circuit)

> To + 5 volts DC

sn ? al1 (external 5VDC

relay

coil

ground

supply)

To use additional gates, connect
them as shown. You only need
to connect ground (Pin 7-7407)
and +5 (Pin 14-7407) once to
power all gates.

Figure 4. 7407 interface (1 gate).

CIRCLE 229 ON READER SERVICE CARD

268

April 1983 0 Creative Computing

can drive four devices (one for each bit).
An entire PIA side will handle eight de¬
vices, and if you use both A and B sides
you can trigger 16 individual devices at
once or in any combination.

You must poke into that port a deci¬
mal number whose binary representation
will switch on a certain bit or series of
bits. For example, if I POKEd a 255 into
port A, all bits would be on. If I POKEd a
12 into port A, bits 3 and 4 only would
be on, since the binary of 12 is 1100. The
individual joystick ports may be read us¬
ing the shadow registers as follows:

Jack 1 (STICK 0) 632/S278 hex

Jack 2 (STICK 1) 633/S279 hex

Jack 3 (STICK 2) 634/S27A hex

Jack 4 (STICK 3) 635/S27B hex
Each port will return a number between
0 and 15. You also can use the Basic
keyword STICK to access these ports,
e.g., X = STICK (0).

The Hardware Part

Generally, all of the circuits we will
describe can be breadboarded in any way
convenient for you. For those of you just
starting out, and who want to do some
experimenting, I recommend the follow¬
ing workbench supplies:

• A solderless breadboard or wire
wrapping setup for prototyping your cir¬
cuitry. (These are made by Vector,
Tandy, and others.)

• A variety of IC and transistor
sockets.

• An anti-static mat or spray.

In addition, for this project, you will
need at least one DE9S connector to
match the front joystick port, and some
multi-conductor wire.

Now let’s get started by building an¬
other useful tool for you to use: a logic
probe. Figure 3 shows the construction
diagram of a two-transistor logic probe.
You can “steal” the necessary 5 volts
from the computer on board power sup¬
ply. When the LED is on, this indicates
a logic 1 or high condition. No LED in¬
dicates a 0 or low condition. (Actually
that is not exactly true. This logic probe
cannot detect the actual 0 state. There
are more sophisticated probes able to
differentiate high, low, and high imped¬
ance logic states, but what do you want
for less than a buck?)

One way to mount the probe is to
build the unit on a small (1" by 2")
perfboard, and then slide the completed
assembly into a large cigar tube. A small
probe tip can then be soldered to the
front of the cigar tube, and wires for the
required 5 volts and ground can come
out the back end and terminate in small
alligator clips.

A Useful Interface Board

Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an

April 1983 ° Creative Computing

THE WALL STREET PLOTTER

For use with AppleXomputer Systems

This program can help you make money, and it’s so easy. Two separate price move indicators may
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This package is compatible with text files containing historical quotes captured from several of the
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The package is compatible with all of the popular graphics printer and plotter drivers as well as our
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Requirements: 48K Apple’ll Plus with DOS 3.3
or Apple’ll! in emmulation mode

Price $125.00

See your local dealer for a demonstration or order direct from:

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Outpost: Atari, continued...

output interface board which is con¬
nected to the front ports of the
computer.

The heart of the circuit is the 7407
chip. As you can see, the input channels
of the 7407 are connected to the front
port by way of the 2.2K pull-up resistor.
Even though the port initializes to FFFF
(or all ones), it maintains a high state
until we do otherwise.

The output of the 7407 provides the
ground side of a relay circuit. The relay
coil is connected to the 5 volt supply

(not the one on the computer port).
When the 7407 is activated by having
one of the front port pins pulled low, it
provides the relay coil with a path to
ground, and the coil energizes. The relay
controlled by the coil can be used to
switch on just about anything, including
other relays to drive larger loads.

During construction be careful that all
the pins of the 7407 and the components
are wired correctly. Do not forget the
pull-up resistors or the small capacitors.
These help prevent power supply inter¬

ference. If you wish, you can substitute
small LEDs or 5 volt pilot lamps for the
relays. This will allow you to see the
ports in action.

Be sure to use an external power sup¬
ply or 5 volt source. The ground of your
source should be connected to the
ground pin on the computer. You will
not need the 5 volt pin. Incidentally, you
can use the external supply to power
your logic probe, and still read the com¬
puter logic signals at the ports.

Now For a Little Software

Listing 1 will provide you with a
demonstration on how the ports are pro¬
grammed. The program first allows you
to select a port, and program it for either
input or output. Then you can write data
to the port and the computer will peek
the port and verify the data you wrote.
You can also do this by using the logic
probe. You will get a logic 1 for every

active bit in the port.

* * *

The Challenge is Met

In the February edition of this col¬
umn, I posed a challenge to all Atari
hackers for vast improvements upon my
“super text mode” program. The first re¬
sponse I received was from Mike
Portuesi, a 16-year-old Atari devotee
from Mount Clemens, MI.

Mike succeeded in the task with
satisfyingly little code. His version of the
program accepts a user message as a
string, modifies itself to include only the
letters needed for that specific message,
then deletes all extraneous lines. The
user need only reposition those letters on
the screen, which is a very simple pro¬
cess. Tinkering with sound values and
plotting speed will result in a polished ti¬
tle card. Creating multiple cards is made
dramatically less time-consuming.

The additions appear as Listing 2
(these lines must be added to the pro¬
gram appearing in the February
Outpost).

“Miss Johnson, my quartz digital solid-state
perpetual chronometer is on the blink again.
What time is it?”

April 1983 ° Creative Computing

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CIRCLE 219 ON READER SERVICE CARD

—

The game that puts space games in
perspective. Zaxxon™, one of the most
popular arcade games of 1982, is now avail¬
able for use with your home computer
system.

Zaxxon™ technology and creativity present
a 3-dimensional-like playfield which sets
Zaxxon ™ apart from other computer games.

Zaxxon™ looks and sounds like aircraft
flight, and players can soar to new levels of

home computer entertainment. From the
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player at every level of skill.

Imagine yourself the pilot, attacking the
enemy fortress-climbing, diving, strafing to
score points and extra fuel. The enemy
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and flying skill. Survive this battle and the
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missile.

Zaxxon ™ is the one game that you must see
to believe. You have to play it to feel its im¬
pact. If you’re ready to face the challenge,
check with your local software dealer or
send check or money order with $2.00 post¬
age/handling. California residents add
6Vfe% sales tax. Available on cassette or
diskette. Suggested retail price $39.95.

Available in January on Atari®, February on
Apple® and Radio Shack® Color, and April
on Tl 99/4A™ and NEC 6000™

DatarfG Dms:

CIRCLE 155 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Datasoft * is a registered trademark of Datasoft Inc."

Sega" and Zaxxonare registered trademarks of Sega Enterprises Inc.

Outpost: Atari, continued...

For a bit of background and a walk
through the modifications, I now turn
things over to Mr. Portuesi:

Operation of the program is simple.
Simply run it, and the program will ask
you to input your message. Use no
blanks, please. There is a 21-character
limit, because I figure that 21 is the
maximum number of characters you can
fit on the screen at once (3 X 7), but if
you are using lots of skinny letters (like
I), simply change the dim statement at
line 5. When it finishes running, you are
left with a customized program.

The main challenge I faced in the
modification was renumbering the data
statements to fill the gap between line
numbers 230 and 650. I couldn’t live
with repositioning the cursor and print¬
ing new line numbers. I would have gone
insane trying to come up with a routine
to account for missing lines and different
line lengths. My program uses a dif¬
ferent method, as follows:

1. Get message.

2. For each character of string:

a. List to screen all associated data
lines.

b. Use forced-read mode to input
lines into AS, B$, C$, and D$.

c. Modify strings to set new line
numbers.

d. Print strings on screen.

e. Force-read them into the existing
program.

3. Delete lines 650 to 904.

4. Delete lines 5 and 859, then re¬
store data pointer to line 232.

5. Delete modification routine itself.
The forced-read mode is used not only

to modify the program, but also to enter
program lines into a string.

The following is a line-by-line
explanation of the added lines:

5 dim strings, goto 2000.

2000-2010 Get message from user.
2020 Loop for each character in the
string.

2040-2050 List all lines relating to a
specific letter.

2060 Enter these lines into AS, B$,
C$, and D$, with forced read mode
(using input, not STOPping the
program).

2070-2100 Put these lines back out on
the screen.

2110-2120 Put these lines back out on
the screen.

2150-2190 Delete lines 650 through
904, 20 lines at a time.

2220 Delete lines 5 and 859, change
line 120 to restore pointer.

2240 Delete first half of modification
routine.

2250-2260 Delete rest of modification
routine, stop program for user.
3000-3030 Modification subroutine.

A really big problem I had in develop¬

ment of the program* is the infamous
keyboard lock-up that occurs with re¬
peated and heavy editing. This, coupled
with the fact that I have only a cassette
recorder, led to heartaches and frustra¬
tion. I wish somebody would do some¬
thing about that. For all the
user-friendliness of Atari Basic, that bug
almost makes me want to take the Basic
cartridge, squirt it with lighter fluid, and

take a match to it.

* * *

I know how you feel, Mike, and all I
can say is I’m glad you stuck it out.
Your approach to the problems I posed
was unique and inspired. Good job, fella.
You’ll be receiving some review software

Listing 1.

10 REM S PROGRAM TO FORMAT PIA
20 REM

30 GRAPHICS 0:P0SITI ON 10,2
40 DIM IO*(10).DATA*(3)

50 PRINT "PIA PORT DEMO”

60 REM

70 REM PORT ADDRESS
80 REM

from us very soon.

If you have no access to a February is¬
sue, dear reader, do not despair. Within
the next couple of columns, we’ll run a
listing of the deluxe version of this pro¬
gram in its entirety. We will incorporate
as many features as we can cull from our
many entries. My thanks to all who
participated.

One quick word of warning: remem¬
ber to save Mike’s additions to the pro¬
gram before ever RUNning the modified
program. As soon as it runs, it deletes
the powerful parts of itself. Skip any
testing until you put a file on disk.
Otherwise, you too may be looking for
the lighter fluid. □

PORTS

90 PORTA=54016:PGRTB=54017
100 REM

110 REM * ROUTINE TO CONFIGURE PORT
120 REM

130 TRAP 130:PRINT :PRINT "Configure which port <1-4) "

140 INPUT PORT:IF PORT< 1 OR P0RT>4 THEN 130
150 REM

160 REM SELECT PORT CONTROL REGISTER
170 REM ADDRESS < PACTL,PBCTL)

180 REM

190 IF PORTO THEN PCTL=54018:P0RT=P0RTA
200 IF P0RT>2 THEN PCTL=54019:P0RT=P0RTB
210 PRINT :PRINT
220 REM

230 REM SELECT INPUT OR OUTPUT
240 REM

250 PRINT "Input or Output n ;

260 TRAP 250:INPUT 10$

270 IF I 0* <1,1) = " I " THEN F=0:GOTO 340
280 IF I0*<1,1)="0" THEN F=255:G0T0 340
290 GOTO 250
300 PRINT
310 REM

320 REM CONFIGURE THE PORT
330 REM

340 POKE PCTL,56
350 POKE PORT,F
360 POKE PCTL,60

370 PRINT :PRINT
330 REM

390 REM ENTER YOUR DATA
400 REM

410 IF I0*<1,1) = "I" THEN PRINT "PORT IS FORMATTED FOR

INPUT"SPRINT :GOTO 130

420 PRINT "NON ENTER YOUR DATA"

430 PRINT "(ENTER A RETURN TO DO ANOTHER PORT)"

440 INPUT DATA*:IF DATA*=" M THEN PRINT CHR*(l25):GOTO 130
450 TRAP 530
460 REM

470 REM POKE DATA TO PORT/VERIFY IT
480 REM

490 POKE PORT,VALCDATA*)

500 PRINT."UERIFY “;PEEK(PORT)

510 GOTO 440
520 END

530 TRAP 40000:PRINT "INPUT ERROR, RE-ENTER ";:GGT0 440

272

April 1983 ° Creative Computing

Listing 2.

5 DIM
2000 ?

E! )*

2010 INPUT STRING$:LINEN0=232
2020 FOR 1*1 TO IEN(STRINGS)

2030 ? CHR$( 125):POSITION 2,2

2040 FOR 0=ASC(STRINGS!I,I))*10+2 TO ASC(STRINGS(I,I))*10+8 STEP 2

2050 LIST J:PRINT "“:NEXT 0:POSITION 2,3

2060 POKE 842,13:INPUT AS,BS,CS,DS:POKE 842,12

20 70 AS(1,3)*STRS(LINEN0):LINENO = LINENO+2

2080 BS(l,3)=STRS(LINEN0):LINEN0=lINEN0+2

2090 CS(1,3)=STRS(LINENO):LINENO = LINENO+2

2100 DS(1,3)=STRS(LINENO): LINENO=LINENO+2

2110 ? CHRS(125):POSITION 2,2

2120 ? AS:? BS:? CS: ? DS

2130 GOSUB 3000

2140 NEXT I

2150 PNTR* 1:? CHRS(125):POSITION 2,2
2160 FOR 1=650 TO 904 STEP 2
2170 ? I

2180 PNTR=PNTR+1:IF PNTR=20 THEN PNTR=1:G0SUB 3000:? CHRS(125):POSITION 2,2

2190 NEXT I

2200 GOSUB 3000

2210 ? CHRS(125):POSITION 2,2

2220 ? 5:? "120 RES. 232":? 859:G0SUB 3000

2230 ? CHRS( 125)‘.POSITION 2,2

2240 FOR 1=2000 TO 2180 STEP 10:? I:NEXT I:GOSUB 3000

2250 ? CHRS(125):POSITION 2,2:F0R 1=2190 TO 2260 STEP 10:? I:NEXT I

2260 FOR 1=3000 TO 3030 STEP 10:? I:NEXT I:? "POKE 842,12:?CHRS(125)":GOTO 3000

3000 ? "CONT”:POSITION 0,0

3010 POKE 842,13:STOP

3020 POKE 842,12

3030 RETURN

STRINGS!21).AS(120), BS(120),CS(120),0S(120):GOTO 2000
CHRS(125):f "PLEASE ENTER YOUR STRING'’:? “(LESS THAN

21 CHARACTERS, PLEAS

We very simply give you what you’ve been asking for—we give you

Let’s not beat around the bush. You bash those keys until all hours of the night
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Now, with enhanced color graphics, you can actually watch the carnage
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Move with the “in” crowd, and rub elbows (while they’re still intact) with some
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Each BLUDGEONS AND BRAGGARTS disk is shipped in a certified “sick
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more of the gore you bought your micro for,

April 1983 ° Creative Computing

273

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COMPUTERS

APPLE ANNOUNCES LISA

After much unofficial buzzing, bally¬
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officially announced Lisa, its 32/16 bit,
mouse-based office microcomputer sys¬
tem.

At a cost of $9995, the product does
not represent a price breakthrough, but it
does offer state-of-the-art simplicity in a
flexible and integrated system. Core busi¬
ness applications included for this price
are spreadsheet analysis, word processing,
business graphics, graphics design, per¬
sonal filing, and project management.

The Lisa system was designed with ease
of use as its prominent feature. It features
an electronic mouse peripheral, which
is moved on the desktop of the user
to position a pointer on the screen.
Icons, which are symbolic representations
of data or programs, are manipulated via
the mouse to invoke whatever functions
are desired.

The business functions are fully inte¬
grated—for example, spreadsheet figures
can be moved directly to a report being
compiled in the word processor, and then
to the graphics generator to be made into

a chart. The chart can then be added to
the report.

The core business packages are as fol¬
lows:

• LisaCalc , an integrated spreadsheet pro¬
gram.

• Lisa Write, a word processing program
with built-in spooling.

• LisaGraph , a spreadsheet graphing pro¬
gram.

• LisaDraw, an enhanced business graph¬
ics package.

• LisaList , a database program.

• LisaProject , a project management sys¬
tem.

• LisaTerminal , a communications pro¬
gram.

In addition to these packages, Lisa runs
Basic, Pascal, and Cobol. It will support
CP/M and Xenix operating systems, mak¬
ing a library of existing software available.
An applications development toolkit will
be available by the end of the year to aid
the development of new integrated func¬
tions for the machine.

The heart and mind of Lisa is the MC¬
68000 CPU, a 32/16 bit microprocessor,
containing 32-bit internal architecture and
a 16-bit external data path. Input/output
functions are controlled by three other
microprocessor chips, freeing the 68000
of housekeeping overhead and thereby
improving its performance capability.

This central architecture is combined
with one megabyte (1000K) of RAM. Two
built-in high-density 5 1/4” floppy disk

drives combine to provide 1.7 megabytes
of portable mass storage. These are the
recently introduced 871 drives, which are
said to be considerably faster than con¬
ventional models.

With the 5 1/4” ProFile hard disk unit
added to the system, five megabytes are
brought on-line, making it possible to run
all applications concurrently and store
them to a single hard disk.

The unit features a 12”, black on white,
bit-mapped screen, with a resolution of
364 x 720. This allows character graphics
of 132 columns by 40 rows. The mouse
takes the place of special function keys,
but the keyboard is programmable. It also
includes a numeric keypad.

A modem will allow Lisa to function as
a terminal, and LisaTerminal software will
enable multiple Lisa units to communicate

and share peripherals via the AppleNet
networking system. Apple IIs and Apple
Ills can join in the communication too.
Interfacing to the Xerox Ethernet system
will also be possible. One parallel and
two serial ports are provided. In addition,
three expansion slots are available.

The Lisa has been under development
since 1979, and over $50 million was
spent on hardware and software research
and development.

Its system of nested graphics windows
and mouse are designed to create an
unencumbered and straightforward
means of data manipulation—one that the
manufacturer hopes will gain favor in
coming years as memory restrictions fall
away and megabyte RAM microcomputer
systems become commonplace.

CIRCLE 401 ON READER SERVICE CARD

274

April 1983 ° Creative Computing

Tl PROFESSIONAL COMPUTER

A professional desktop computer, de¬
signed to be a personal productivity sys¬
tem for professionals, administrators, and
other workers in information intensive
business, has been introduced by Texas
Instruments Incorporated.

The TI Professional Computer will sell
for a suggested retail price of $2595 for a
basic system consisting of a monochrome
display, keyboard, system unit with 64K
bytes of RAM, and an integral 320K flop¬
py disk drive. This configuration is suit¬
able for many professional applications,
and can be upgraded for more complex
applications by adding additional mem¬
ory, mass storage, communications, and
other options.

The system unit contains the 8088 cen¬
tral processor, memory, disk drive, and
expansion options. Main memory can be
expanded to 256K bytes. Space is pro¬
vided for a second floppy drive or a 5Mb
or 10Mb Winchester disk.

The TI Professional Computer features
high-resolution graphics using a 12” mon¬
ochrome display or an optional 13” color
display. Both displays use the same for¬
mat—25 lines of 80 columns, and 720x300
pixels with the graphics controller
option.

A variety of communications options,
including internal modems with automatic
dial and answer capability and TTY and
3780 emulators, is available for the TI
Professional Computer in network envi¬
ronments.

TI has also introduced an impact print¬
er, the Omni 800 Model 850, as a com¬
panion printer. The Model 850 prints at
up to 150 characters per second and offers
a variety of fonts and print options. The
850 can also be used to print graphics
designs from the computer display.

Additional options planned for intro¬
duction later this year inlude increased
user memory and other input/output de¬
vices such as a mouse.

The TI Professional Computer supports
MS-DOS, CP/M, Concurrent CP/M-86,
and UCSD p-System. Among the third
party applications software available are
offerings from Ashton-Tate, BPI, Digital
Research, IUS, Lifeboat, Micropro,
Microsoft, Peachtree, Softech, Software
Publishing Corporation, Sorcim, and
VisiCorp.

In addition, the TI Professional Com¬
puter can use programs written for a
CP/M-80 environment using a softcard
supplied by Xedex Corporation.

Integrated applications software, in¬
cluding Lotus 7-2-3, Visi-on , the Oracle
relational data base system, and industry-
specific applications are under develop¬
ment by third parties for introduction
later in 1983.

Maxell. The Gold Standard.

The floppy disks that meet or
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Look for the Gold Standard seal.

It's your assurance that Maxell disks meet
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215-822-7727

CIRCLE 102 ON READER SERVICE CARD

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subscription to Computer Investing
News. It's the up-to-the-minute
newsletter that opens vaults of
information on how to maximize your
gains through computerized technical
analysis investment software.

Think Software Inc., 572-810 West
Broadway, Vancouver. B.C. Canada
V5Z 4C9 (604) 261-7261
CompuServe 72 165,37

Order By Phone 24 Hours Daily.

Call (604) 261-7261 Please have your
charge card handy.

Order By Mail. Complete coupon and mail
to Think Software Inc.. 572-810 W.
Broadway, Vancouver, B.C. Canada
V5Z 4C9.

Yes. Send me rush the stock appraisal
package(s) that I ve checked. I want to start
making money in the stock market
immediately with my □ Apple □ TRS-80.

City _

. State/Zip _

in B.C.

□ Check

_enclosed plus $2.00 postage & handling. Add 6% tax if delivered

□ Money Order Q3 □ Visa □ MasterCard

:xpiry _

572-810 W. Broadway, Vancouver, B.C. Canada
V5Z 4C9 (604) 261-7261 CompuServe 72165.37

Think 02
Software inc.

Dealer Inquiries Welcome.

CIRCLE 279 ON READER SERVICE CARD

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

275

New Products, continued...

TI also previewed two “advanced ease-
of-use capabilities,” voice management
and natural language, scheduled to be
introduced in the third quarter of 1983.

The natural language capability is a
user interface, derived from TI’s research
in artificial intelligence, that leads users
to information by helping them ask ques¬
tions in a natural way, combining com¬
mon English words and phrases into sen¬
tences that tell the computer what to do.
The user constructs sentences by choos¬
ing from words or phrases shown in a set
of windows displayed on the video screen.
The items that are selected from each
window appear at the bottom of the
screen as a plain English sentence de¬
scribing the function to be performed.

FUJITSU PERSONAL BUSINESS
COMPUTER

Fujitsu has introduced the Micro 16S
personal business computer. It has two
microprocessors integrated to run under
the CP/M-86 operating system, word pro-

The voice management system com¬
bines speech processing, voice recog¬
nition and telephone management func¬
tions in a single unit which fits inside the
computer. The system provides functions
like voice store-and-forward, automatic
dialing, telephone answering, and recog¬
nition of an unlimited number of spoken
words and phrases.

Service for the TI Professional Com¬
puter will be provided by Texas Instru¬
ments’ nationwide service organization
and by qualified authorized dealers. Both
on-site and depot service is available, and
TI has established service depots specif¬
ically for the TI Professional Computer.

CIRCLE 402 ON READER SERVICE CARD

cessing and electronic spreadsheet soft¬
ware, and can operate existing 8- and 16-
bit CP/M-based applications programs.

The 16S contains two user-accessible
microprocessors, two 5 1/4” floppy disks
with 320K bytes of formatted storage
each, and 128K bytes of parity checking
RAM memory, expandable to one mega¬
byte. In addition, the Micro 16S has paral¬
lel and serial output ports and an ad¬
vanced high resolution color graphics
capability. It is compatible with all stand¬
ard personal computer peripheral prod¬
ucts. $4000.

Fujitsu Professional Microsystems
Division, 2985 Kifer Road, Santa Clara,
CA 95051. (408) 727-1700.

CIRCLE 403 ON READER SERVICE CARD

ATARI VCS TO COMPUTER
ADD-ON

Stealing much of the thunder from the
four companies that announced add-on
units to convert the Atari Video Com¬
puter System to a “real” computer at CES,
Atari announced their own add-on unit at
the Toy Fair in February.

Dubbed “My First Computer,” the

Atari VCS add-on comes with 8K of mem¬
ory, expandable to 32K. The keyboard
has 56 “Chiclet-style,” rubber keys but,
unlike some other low-end units, does
have a full-width spacebar. The unit has
an interface to a standard cassette re¬
corder and an expansion port on the left
side into which an interface module can
be plugged to connect with disk drives,
printer, and modem. The entire unit sits
on top of the VCS and does not have to
be disconnected to play regular VCS
games as it has a slot for game cartridges
on top.

Built-in software includes a system
monitor in 8K of ROM and Microsoft
Basic (a first for Atari!) in another 8K.
Twelve “super cartridges” will be avail¬
able in the areas of home finance, per¬
sonal development, education, and, of
course, games.

Suggested list price will be under $90
and the system will be available in retail
stores starting in September.

Atari, Inc., 1265 Borregas Ave., Sunny¬
vale, CA 94086.

CIRCLE 404 ON READER SERVICE CARD

CROMEMCO
PERSONAL COMPUTER

Cromemco, Inc. has announced the C-
10 desktop computer.

The C-10 is available in a package
called the C-10 Super Pak which features
a double sided, double density disk drive,
a detachable keyboard, and several soft¬
ware packages. The basic computer unit
includes an RS-232 serial port, a parallel

port, and an RS-232 modem port with full
handshake capability.

The software packages that are in¬
cluded in the Super Pak are a CP/M
compatible operating system, Structured
Basic, and three applications packages
offered by Cromemco: Writemaster , a
word processing package; Planniaster , a
spreadsheet package; and Money master,
a stock/investment portfolio package.

The CRT display is a full 80-character
by 25-line display. The system employs
the Z80A microprocessor, operating at
4MHz, and 64K of RAM. $1785.

Cromemco Inc., 280 Bernardo Ave.,
Mountain View, CA 94043. (415) 964-
7400.

CIRCLE 405 ON READER SERVICE CARD

276

April 1983 ° Creative Computing

8H03

hether you already own an IBM Personal Computer
or you’re thinking about buying one, you need PC
Magazine.

PC Magazine is the independent guide to IBM Per¬
sonal Computers. Each monthly issue is packed with
the latest information for everyone who’s interested
in IBM Personal Computers.

Yes! I want to subscribe to PC, the independent guide
to IBM Personal Computers:

One year (12 issues) only $19.97-20% off!

Two years only $36.97-26% off!

Three years only $49.97-33% off!

Savings based on full one-year subscription price of $24.97.

CHECK ONE: □ Payment enclosed. □ Bill me later.

This is the magazine for finding out how to put
together the best IBM "PC" system... and how to
get the most out of it. Every month you'll receive
hundreds of colorful pages of evaluations, in¬
sights, and straight talk from respected ex-
perts-professionals in computer science as
well as lawyers, businessmen, writers, ed¬
ucators and many others.

PC covers software, hardware, applica¬
tions, and every other topic of impor¬
tance to the thousands of IBM Personal
Computer users who read it. To make
sure that we give you the facts you
need, we include a special “User-
to-User" section, a "PC Wish List’,'
and news about IBM Personal
Computer clubs, events
and publications.

Right now you can save up
to 33% on an introductory
subscription. And if you’re
ever dissatisified with PC,
just write and tell us-you'll
receive a prompt refund for
all the unmailed issues re¬
maining in your subscrip¬
tion.

Itm

i PC Magazine

3 P.O. Box 598, Morris Plains, NJ 07950

Mr./Mrs./Ms.
Company_

(please print full name)

< Address_

City-State_Zip_

Offer valid only in the U.S., its territories and possessions. Please allow 30 to 60 days for delivery of first issue.

Hartley Courseware, Inc.
Dimondale, Ml 48821
616-942-8987

New Products, continued...

NETWORK COMPUTER

A handheld computer called the Net¬
work Inquirer has been developed by
The Business Computer Network Cor¬
poration.

This small computer enables users to
access hundreds of public databases, in¬
cluding The Source, CompuServe, Dow-
Jones, UPI News and many others.

The Network Inquirer also offers elec¬
tronic mail, enabling users to send corres¬
pondence to other users on-line, and re¬
ceive mail automatically in its own elec¬
tronic mailbox for retrieval at a later
time.

The Inquirer is a microprocessor-based
CRT terminal controller and features an
integral 300 baud modem.

Other features include an RS-232 out¬
put to operate a serial printer simultane¬
ously, channel selector, composite video
output for CCTV monitors and a local
test switch for self testing. $100.

The Business Computer Network, 211
South 4th St., Basin, WY 82410. (307)
568-2413.

CIRCLE 406 ON READER SERVICE CARD

MISCELLANEOUS

PRINTER MUFFLER

Trace Systems, Inc. has introduced
SoundTrap, an acoustical housing that
quiets printing noise to a level where a
business or phone conversation can be
conducted next to a functioning printer.

It accomodates most popular printers,
including Epson, NEC, Okidata, IBM and
Apple. $100.

Trace Systems, Inc., 1928 Old Middle-
field Way, Mountain View, CA 94043.
(415) 964-3115.

CIRCLE 407 ON READER SERVICE CARD

APPLE II INTERFACE CABLE

Cable Concepts Inc. has announced a
3-foot interface cable to connect the
Apple II with its disk drive.

The cable is made with insulation dis¬
placement sockets with gold contacts and
rainbow colored ribbon cable. $12.95.

Also available is a 10-foot extension
cord for Atari joystick game controls. The
cable works not only with Atari 400 and
800 computers but also with Commodore
Vic 20 and Atari VCS. $14.95.

Cable Concepts, Inc., P.O. Box 427,
Fraser, MI 48026.(313)293-3911.

CIRCLE 408 ON READER SERVICE CARD

JOYSTICK CONVERTER

Triggerstik, as arcade-style joystick
adapter for home video game use has
been introduced by the Koch Company.

Triggerstik is designed to convert Atari
and compatible joysticks to arcade-style
operation, with the firing mechanism on
the top. Two for $9.95.

Koch Company, 14252 Culver Dr.,
Suite A187, Irvine, CA 92714. (408) 244-
6766.

CIRCLE 409 ON READER SERVICE CARD

APPLICATIONS

SOFTWARE

BUSINESS

Micro Business Software, Inc. (MBSI),
a former subsidiary of Mini Computer
Business Applications (MCBA), has an¬
nounced the availability of six general
business software packages for use on
Digital Equipment Corporation’s
emerging line of microcomputers.

The integrated business systems, which
MBSI has entitled “RealWorld Software,”
are written in RM/COBOL and Micro
Focus Level II COBOL and include
Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable,
General Ledger, Order Entry/Inventory,
Payroll and Sales Analysis.

The RealWorld applications will run in
either language under both CP/M and
CP/M-86 for the Rainbow 100 and will
support the DECmate II with its CP/M
card option.

•Apple II is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc.

CIRCLE 183 ON READER SERVICE CARD

278

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

On the LSI-11 based Professional 325
and 350, the Micro Focus Level II
COBOL version will run under RSX-1 lm.
And the RM/COBOL version runs on
DEC’S Micro-11 under RT-11.

A typical dealer license for this new
MBSI package, including source code and
complete documentation, is $1,000.
MBSI, Dover Rd., Willow Hill Bldg.,
Chichester, NH 03263. (603) 798-5700.

CIRCLE 41G ON READER SERVICE CARD

The Account82 CPA Client Write-Up
Package is available for use on all models
of the Alpha-Micro computer. It includes
a billing module which keeps track of
computer usage by client, allows for CPA
definition of charges by client, and prints
invoices. Account82 also allows definition
of 12 classifications. $34.95. Pony Express
Services, 2355 Salzedo St., Suite 307,
Coral Gables, FL 33134. (305) 441-1784.

CIRCLE 411 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Howard W. Sams & Co., Inc. an¬
nounces two new disk packages for use
on Apple computers.

Financial Facts is a group of 18 math¬
ematical programs designed to figure and
print out reports for various loan, savings
and investment plans.

Included in the package are programs
covering depreciation, future value, inter¬
est rates, loans, payments, investments,
deposits and withdrawal values. Financial
Facts retails for $59.95.

Money Tools is a home or small busi¬
ness financial record keeping and report¬
ing system.

Full reporting allows the user to track
cash flow and to obtain breakouts of all
financial areas as percent of total incomes
or expenditures.

Budgets may be created with the system
to help guide spending within any time
frame.

120 budget areas can be created, 12
recording periods handling 500 trans¬
actions per period. Retail price is $59.95.
Howard W. Sams & Co., Inc., 4300 W.
62nd St., P.O. Box 7092, Indianapolis, IN
46206. (317) 298-5400.

CIRCLE 412 ON READER SERVICE CARD

WORD PROCESSING

Heath Company has announced Magic
Spell, an automatic proofreader for the
Magic Wand Word Processing System.
Magic Spell helps users isolate spelling
and typographical errors in documents
produced by Magic Wand , verifying the
correct spelling of words in a document.

Available on soft-sectored 5.25” floppy
disk or soft-sectored floppy disk, Magic
Spell operates on a Heath/Zenith H-8/H-
19 or H/Z-89 computer system. Heath
Co., Benton Harbor, MI 49022. (616) 982-
3210.

CIRCLE 413 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Learning is part of the fun.

• Coed, ages 10-16 • 2, 4, or 8 week
sessions • Convenient locations
• With or without computer skills
• Traditional camp activities
• Professional Camp Directors

ATARI

COMPUTER CAMPS

CALL TOLL FREE 800/847-4180

For more information and a free, color brochure, write
to 40 East 34th Street, Dept JT, New York, N.Y. 10016
(please include age and phone number). Outside U.S.
or in New York State, calf collect 212/889-5200. Staff
applicants should apply in writing.

NOW IN VINTAGE
PAPERBACK

The first comprehen¬
sive encyclopedia cov¬
ering all aspects of the
new electronic tech¬
nologies now radically
changing communica¬
tions, education, and
business practices
throughout the world,
THE RANDOM HOUSE
DICTIONARY OF NEW
INFORMATION TECH¬
NOLOGY offers a
wealth of explanations
of crucial terms, con¬
cepts, methods, and
media. Illustrated.

$7.95. now at your bookstore

^VINTAGE BOOKS

i A division of Random House

■

V. V.V

==—

CIRCLE 116 ON READER SERVICE CARD

CIRCLE 299 ON READER SERVICE CARD

INTRODUCING

The Simple Solution Software.

Whether you’re doing simple business accounting, an annual
budget or top-level planning, do it with The Wedge. (And do it
right the first time.) A comprehensive electronic spreadsheet,The Wedge
serves as a valuable tool for budgeting, forecasting and performing critical financial
assessments that normally require an accountant or controller. Fits right in with
your existing software systems, putting the data you’ve gathered to work on new
applications. And The Wedge is compatible with CP/M® j—

and most word processors, first-time users will appreciate a- ■■ "

the full documentation offered with The Wedge such —

as lesson cards, quick-reference cards, - - '

installation and applications manuals. SottWaTC Management Group

’The Wedge is a trademark of Access Software, Inc. SOFTWARE * SUPPORT * SERVICE

C3VM is a rostered tndemarkofD^ital Research, Inc. 12555 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 805,

Dept. GC4, Miami FL 33181
U.S.: (800) 327-7701/In Florida: (305) 757-5416

-.... ORDER FORM---

( ) Please send more information on your unique products/Customer Support Package.
( ) Quick! Send me The Wedge at only $250. (Includes shipping/handling.)

ORDER by check, Visa or MasterCard. Fla. residents add 5% sales tax.

Immediate delivery. 30 day money-back guarantee.

Name.

Phone.

Address_City_St_Zip.

Visa/MC/A___Exp_

Signature____

CIRCLE 306 ON READER SERVICE CARD

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

279

New Products, continued...

The LEX-11 word and data processing
software package is now available for the
DEC Professional computers. It is avail¬
able under the new P/OS operating sys¬
tem and features a full screen editor, list
processing and database management,
business graphics, and a visual calculator.
Optional with the P/OS version of LEX-
11 is an introductory on-line training guide
which will cost $200 and a spelling check¬
er for $200. $850. EEC Systems, Inc.,

327/E Boston Post Rd., Sudbury, MA
01776. (617) 443-5106.

CIRCLE 414 ON READER SERVICE CARD

GAMES AND RECREATION

Radio Shack offers adventure game
buffs a new and challenging program for
the TRS-80 Color Computer. Sands of
Egypt for the TRS-80 Color Computer
features colorful animated graphics which
serve as the background as the player
roams the desert dunes in search of

treasure. $29.95. Available at Radio Shack
stores and computer centers.

Singles Night At Molly’s consists of two
solitaire card games which can be played
by one person, or any number of players.
Royal Flush is played with a deck of 52
cards, a'control deck, and a five-by-five
game board matrix. The object of the
game is to place 25 randomly dealt cards
onto the matrix in such a way as to
achieve the highest possible score. Sly
Fox is played with two standard 52-card
decks and a 228-slot playing board matrix.

CIRCLE 135 ON READER SERVICE CARD

The object of the game is to make four
piles of cards, each of which contains 13
cards in suit and rank order from the
King to the Ace and four piles of cards
from the Ace to the King. The package
requires a 48K Apple II/II Plus with Ap¬
plesoft in ROM or a Language Card and
DOS 3.3. $29.95. Soft Images, 200 Route
17, Mahwah, NJ 07430. (201) 529-1440.

CIRCLE 415 ON READER SERVICE CARD

In Aqua Run, for the IBM Personal
Computer, the player seeks treasure in an
undersea world while spearing or avoiding
vicious creatures. This game is playable
from the keyboard or with a joystick on
the IBM PC with 64K RAM, one disk
drive, a color/graphics adapter, and a TV
or monitor. The game control adapter is
required if a joystick is used. $39.95. Soft
Spot Micro Systems, P.O. Box 415, North
Canton, CT 06059. (203) 379-7047.

CIRCLE 416 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Crossword Wizard, for the Osborne 1,
helps puzzle-solvers who find themselves
stuck for a particular word. The user
enters the letters he knows along with a
word description. Working from these

Data Entry
Problems?

Our New 2000 Series Solves
Them...5 Ways!

1. EASE OF DATA ENTRY

Enter data into your personal computer
by simply marking standard cards with a
pencil. No special training needed. The
2000 Series even reads pre-printed data
and punched holes.

2. USER FRIENDLY DESIGN

The 2000 comes with 2 different inter¬
faces: an intelligent interface for the Ap¬
ple and an RS-232C. Both models simplify
user software by converting card data
easily to one of 4 different modes, or any
combination of them: ASCII, Card Image,
Quick Program and Self Programming.
Makes your programming tasks quick and
easy.

3. AUTOMATIC FEED

The 2000 Series reads up to 60 cards per
minute, automatically! Just load the
feeder tray and the 2000 does the rest.
Cards can vary in length from 5 to 12 in¬
ches, and each one can contain up to 128
columns of data.

4. LOW COST

Thecost, including a choice of interfaces,
is only $1595. Compare that to keypunch
or computer terminals, plus the expense
of operating them.

5 . RELIABLE OPTICAL SENSOR

State-of-the-art fibre optics “read” each
card reliably and accurately, with a
single, long-lasting bulb providing the
light source.

So, to quickly solve your data entry pro¬
blems, put in your order now for a new
2000 Series. It’s ideal for education,
medical, business, and a host of other
computer applications.

And remember... whatever your needs,
Chatsworth Data still offers the industry’s
largest selection of card readers. Write or
phone for complete details...today!

CHATSWORTH

20710 Lassen Street

DATA

Chatsworth, California 91311 Phone: (213) 341*9200

280

April 1983 c Creative Computing

clues, the program provides lists of all
possibilities from its changeable/expand¬
able (to 80K) built-in dictionary. $34.95
for two disks. Eastern Indiana Computing
Services, 202 Kehl St., Suite 2, Conners-
ville, IN 47331.

CIRCLE 417 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Written in machine language and Basic
for IBM Personal Computers with PC-
DOS, 64K RAM and monochrome or
color/graphics cards, Microcosm is based
on a simulation of birth, life, migration,
and death among populations of micro¬
organisms. $39.95. Aeon Concepts, P.O.
Box 12595, Pittsburgh, PA 15241. (800)
547-5995.

CIRCLE 418 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Software Magic has introduced Kong,
a machine code arcade game for the 16K
Level II Model I or Model III TRS-80.
The player must reach the top of a build¬
ing where a gorilla holds girl captive.
$19.95. Software Magic, P.O. Box 2184,
Bramalea, Ont., Canada L6T 3S4. (416)
451-9452.

CIRCLE 419 ON READER SERVICE CARD

The object of Astro-Dodge for the IBM
PC is to score points by destroying me¬
teoroids and ships.

It requires 64K RAM, a Color-Graphics
card, and separate black-and-white or
color monitor. $39.95. Digital Marketing
Corp., 2670 Cherry Lane, Walnut Creek,
CA 94596. (415) 938-2880.

CIRCLE 420 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Battle For Normandy, a game for TRS-
80, Atari, or Apple, takes players to the
northern coast of France to recreate the
D-Day invasion. The game is programmed
for a 25-day time period (June 6 to 30,
1944) in which time the player must pene¬
trate as deeply as possible into the conti¬
nent and capture the port of Cherbourg
and the towns of St. Lo and Caen. Avail¬
able on disk or cassette for $39.95. In
Germany 1985 Soviet battalions have in¬
vaded the southern center of West Ger¬
many with infantry, tanks, artillery units,
and paratroopers. In order to halt this
invasion NATO must step in. The game
comes complete with a disk, two-sided
map, data card, and a rule book. $59.95.
Strategic Simulations Inc., 465 Fairchild
Dr., Suite 108, Mountain View, CA 94043.
(415) 964-1353.

CIRCLE 421 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Tronix has introduced three games for
the Vic 20. In Swarm players must con¬
tend with deadly android wasps, aided by
alien creatures of every description.
$29.95. In Sidewinder, players lead their
squadron of skilled helicopter comman¬
does into deadly battle with killer pods in

outer space. $29.95.Galactic Blitz pits the
player against a squadron of killer aliens
who attack en masse. The aliens include

The Serious Game Design Tool
For The Serious Designer
At The Price Of A Toy For The Hobbyist

The Game Cartridge
Development System
lor the Atari® 2600
Video Computer System 1

Optional:

Atari 5200 Supersystem
Adapter Package. ^

The FROB-26

Features Include:

Real-time development
No machine modification
Apple II® 48K/ one disk
drive required.

Now Only $495
Call today to order
408-429-1551
All major credit
cards accepted.

For high profit rewards, purchase

the tool that can do the job at an / * Jjf

unbeatable price. j

frobco *

S q A Division of Th-comp Poiytechnical. Inc

PO. Box 8378, Santa Cruz, CA95061
408-429-1551

HP The Miracle of Creation Can Be Yours 1

Atari and Apple are
registered trad<£
marks ol Atqfl Inc.
and Apple
Computer. Inc.,
respectively
Video Computer
System is a trade¬
mark of Atari. Inc.

CIRCLE 175 ON READER SERVICE CARD

The

TECH

Shirt

This shirt by TECH repre¬
sents the fine quality and clas¬
sic styling desired by the high-
tech professional. The shirt is
made of the popular LaCoste
knit with a fashion-knit collar
For $21.95
each, this fashionable collec¬
tion of shirts is available in
kelly green, navy blue, scarlet,
and pale yellow. Use your
VISA, MasterCard, or send
check or money order to:

TECH Products

945 Concord Street
Framingham, MA 01701

NAME:_

ADDRESS:_

CITY:_STATE:_ZIP:

( ) Check or Money Order Enclosed

( ) MasterCard # _

( ) Vise #_

Expiration Date:_

Signature_

QUANTITY_COLOR SIZE (S-M-L-XL) CHARGE

SHIPPING & HANDLING: *1*0

TOTAL CHARGE: _

DEALER INQUIRIES
INVITED

CIRCLE 291 ON READER SERVICE CARD
281

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

Low Cost 1
n Light Pen

Free yourself of many keyboard
strokes. Touch our Light Pen to
your TV screen and draw, paint
multicolored pictures or pick from
a menu. It’s that easy.

Now you can make your
Commodore Vic 20, Vic 64, Atari
400/800 or Apple II come alive.

LP-10* low cost no switch, Light
Pen is active at all times.

LP-15 High Resolution, high
speed Light Pen with push switch
to activate signal. It is super¬
sensitive and can control the
curser 6 inches from screen.

LP-10 . . . $39.95
LP-15 . . . $119.95

Interface card required for Apple II with
LP-10 & 15 . . . $99.95
All Light Pens are sold complete with
Demo Cassettes & Instructions.

TECH-SKETCH'«c

FAIRFIELD, N.J. • 201-227-7724

Visa & Master Charges Accepted
Dealers & Distributors Welcome

^Commodore. Atari, Apple are Registered Trademarks^

CIRCLE 292 ON READER SERVICE CARD

TACTICAL

HIGH PERFORMANCE
ATARI" JOYSTICK

• LOW COST ADVANCED JOYSTICK

• HIGH SPEED TACTILE RESPONSE

• HIGH-TECH CONDUCTIVE ELASTOMER
SWITCHES WITH 24K GOLD CONTACTS

• PATENTED VELCRO’'/ELASTIC LEG
BELT FREES HANDS TO OPERATE
JOYSTICK (NOT HOLD IT)

$19.95 P.P.D. CONVERSION

OF YOUR ATARI '* JOYSTICK

$27.95 P.P.D. NEW ATARI"' JOYSTICK
INCLUDING CONVERSION

TACTICAL ADVANTAGE GUARANTEED
SEND YOUR JOYSTICK OR REQUEST FOR NEW
JOYSTICK ALONG WITH YOUR CHECK. OR
MONEY ORDER, TO:

TACTICAL DESIGN 270 SCIENTIFIC DRIVE SUITE 17
NORCROSS. GEORGIA 30092

DEALER INQUIRY INVITED

New Products, continued...

Heartattacks, Pearons, Energridders, Be-
headhinds and Towelships. $24.95. Tronix
Publishing, Inc., 701 West Manchester
Blvd., Inglewood, CA 90301. (213) 671-
8440.

CIRCLE 422 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Bible, the Book of Acts, the Life of Christ

and general Bible studies. All require 48K
of memory with a disk drive, and retail
for $29.95 each. Personal Computer Man¬
agement Corp., 1171 Sonora Court, Sun¬
nyvale, CA 94086. (408) 732-9222.

CIRCLE 424 ON READER SERVICE CARD

EDUCATIONAL

New Classics Software has introduced
a language package specifically for high
schools that will be offering Advanced
Placement Computer Science courses.
The package is based on an upgraded
version of Pascal 80 that now includes
pointer variables. The package will work
on the Radio Shack Model I or III com¬

rA«Al-*0

.ASSIL

puter, requiring 48K and one disk drive.
It can be used with the Network III con¬
troller. The package costs $295, and an
individual version is available for $101.
New Classics Software, 239 Fox Hill Rd.,
Denville, NJ 07834. (201) 625-8838.

CIRCLE 423 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Children through adults can study the
Bible with Personal Computer Manage¬
ment’s series of programs for the Apple II
and Atari computers. Titles include Great
Men of the Bible, Great Women of the

Two touch typing software packages
are offered by Behavioral Engineering.
Beginning level programs in Typing
Strategy use an animated image of the
keyboard and a pair of hands to teach

finger-key-character relationships. More
advanced typists can increase their speed
playing Drag Race and Time Bomb. Let¬
ter Man, based on the Pac-Man arcade
game, teaches typing through play. The
user is placed in a maze filled with words,
letters and numbers, and must escape
pursuing Gobblers by typing the character
adjacent to the Letter Man figure. Both

packages have full authoring capabilities
which allow the user to introduce special
sets of words and phrases for practice,
such as medical or legal terminology.
Available for the Apple II, IBM PC, Vic-
20, and Commodore 64. $29.95 each,
$24.95 for the VIC-20. Behavioral Engi¬
neering, 230 Mt. Hermon Rd., Suite 207,
Scotts Valley, CA 95066. (408) 438-5649.

CIRCLE 425 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Control Data has announced nine les¬
sons from their Plato library for use on
the Apple II Plus, Atari 800 and Texas
Instruments 99/4A computers. Basic
Numbers Facts, Whole Numbers, Deci¬
mals, Fractions, Physics: Elementary Me¬
chanics, French Vocabulary Builder, Ger¬
man Vocabulary Builder, Spanish Vo¬
cabulary Builder, and Computer Lit-

CIRCLE 273 ON READER SERVICE CARD

282

April 1983 ° Creative Computing

eracy: Introduction cover skills from the
elementary to the high school level. The
programs initially will be sold through
mail order for $45 for a single lesson and
$35 for additional lessons. Control Data
Corporation, 8100 34th Ave. South, P.O.
Box 0, Minneapolis, MN 55440. (612) 853-
4541.

CIRCLE 426 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Borg-Wamer Educational Systems has
announced four new titles in its library of
MicroSystem80 courseware. Geometric
Concepts,which consists of two disks with
management systems that will maintain
records for up to eight class groups of
fifteen students each, provides instruction
and practice in measurements concepts
and their formulas. Sentence Structure is

an eight-disk series which helps middle
grade students achieve proficiency in
basic sentence analysis skills. Elementary
Language Arts and Junior High Language
Arts are comprehensive eight-disk class¬
room programs. The programs require
the 48K Apple II with 3.3 DOS, 5 1/4”
disk input and video display. Borg-Wamer
Educational Systems, 600 West University
Dr., Arlington Heights, IL 60004. (312)
394-1010.

CIRCLE 427 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Benji, the dog made famous by a
motion picture, battles alien beings while
teaching players about the solar system in
Benji—Space Rescue from ISA Software.
Features include high resolution graphics,
sound effects, and music. The program is
the first in the Benji Discovery Series for
use on the Commodore 64, Vic-20 and
Atari 400 and 800 computers, and retails
for about $50. ISA Software Inc., 14114
Dallas Parkway, Dallas, TX 75240. (214)
960-6696.

CIRCLE 428 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Scholastic has announced the Wizware
series of programs for the Apple II Plus,
Atari 800/400, TI 99/4A and Vic-20 com¬
puters. Children can program the out¬
come of an adventure story or interview
a popular personality in the news with
The Microzine, a computer “magazine”
which allows them to participate in each
of its features. By matching numbers,

words and patterns, younger users be¬
come familiar with logical concepts in
Square Pairs. With Turtle Tracks, chil¬
dren learn the fundamentals of computer
programming as they draw shapes with a
“turtle” control. The lessons continue
with Your Computer, a hands-on intro¬
duction to computer technology for first¬
time users. Electronic Birthday leads
party activities such as pin-the-tale-on-the-
donkey, and in Nerd Alert the Nerds must

be blocked or they will take over the
local high school. $40 for disk, $30 for
cartridge. Scholastic, Inc., 730 Broadway,
New York, NY 10003. (212) 505-3000.

CIRCLE 429 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Insoft has introduced a series of edu¬
cational games for the IBM Personal
Computer. In Wordtrix, the user vies with
the computer to find words in a random
grid of letters. Following clues from cross¬
word puzzles, trivia questions, and foreign
word translations, Quotrix players try to
guess a famous quote by piecing together
each discovered word. Each package re¬
tails for $34.95. In Grapple, players must
stop the Horrible Hoppers, Sneaky Snerds
and Flippant Flyers from escaping the
intergalactic prison. This program also
runs in emulation mode on the Apple III.
$29.95. Insoft Inc., 10175 SW Barbur
Blvd., #202B, Portland, OR 97219. (503)
244-4181.

CIRCLE 430 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Bertamax has released two packages
for the TRS-80 Color Computer. Essential
Mathematics Series for grades 6-8 is a
Drill-and-Practice program containing les¬
sons in addition, subtraction, multipli¬
cation, division, number concepts, frac-

Micro
Technology Report

Programmer

Productivity

Multiplied

Langhorne, PA — Quic-N-Easi
Products Inc. announced availabil¬
ity of a complete Applications
Development System called Quic-
N-Easi PRO. The package is
designed to help professional
programmers make a lot more
money by multiplying productivity.

The Quic-N-Easi PRO System
is based on the widely acclaimed
Quic-N-Easi package . . . BYTE,
INFOWORLD and other national
reviews marvel at how fast
absolutely professional results
can be achieved with little effort.

Quic-N-Easi PRO handles the
entire application, including:

□ Formatted Data Entry

□ Data Base Management

□ Information Processing

□ Report Generation

The product is difficult to
compare with simplistic code
generators or half solutions like
so-called data base managers.

Don’t waste any more time with
tedious coding in BASIC. Quic-N-
Easi PRO S395 at your dealer.

nuic-neasi Tnrrr

Requirements: Z80, CP/M, 64K
Bytes, 2 Drives, Addressable Cursor.

□ Attached is my check for
$399.50 ($395 + $4.50 Shipping)

□ MC □ Visa Exp. Date_

# _

Signature_

My system is_

with (Microcomputer Model)

□ 5V4 Disks □ Hard □ Soft

| | 8" Disks (Single Sided, Single Density)

Name

Title

Company

Address

Mail to

nuic-n easi products

(formerly Standard Microsystems Inc.)
136 Granite Hill Court
Langhorne, PA 19047

Phone order today
(215) 968-5966

Z80 is a trademark of Zilog Inc

CP M is a registered trademark of Digital Research. Inc

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

283

CIRCLE 244 ON READER SERVICE CARD

SAVE 507.

Scotch

Diskettes

Dealer Inquiries invited

prices/10

744D 1 side/dbi dens $22 so

Specify soft

0/4 10 or 16 Sector

745

2 sides/dbl dens

$31 00

746

1 side/quad 96 tpi

$33 80

747

2 sides/quad 96 tpi

$45 $0

8 "

Specify Soft or 32 Sector

740

1 side sgl/dens

$23 60

741

1 side/dbi dens.

$29 00

743

2 sides/dbl dens

$37 80

Checks-viSA-MC-C.O.D./Add S2 Shipping
Call or write for our complete list.

LYBEN COMPUTER SYSTEMS

27204 Harper Ave., St. Clair Shores, Ml 48081
Phone: (313) 777-7780

Authorized Distributor <

information Processing Products i

CIRCLE 204 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Tl USERS

DARE YOU ENTER THE

Dungeon of Owerre

monsters as you map
out this bottomless dungeon which is
different every time you play. Another
graphic-oriented adventure from:

LOWERRE LTD.

176 S. Lemon St.
Orange, California
92666

FOR MORE INFORMATION

CIRCLE 203 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Scotch Diskettes

Rely on Scotch* diskettes to keep your valu¬
able data safe. Dependable Scotch diskettes
are tested and guaranteed error-free. The low
abrasivity saves your read/write heads.
They're compatible with most diskette drives.

( 800 ) 235-4137

Dealer Inquiries
Invited

Supplement your teaching
with these tutorials.

SHORE FEATURES
WEATHER FRONTS

$24.95 ea.

• Graphics-Animation

• Branching to Different Material

• Test & Review

Apple DOS 3.3

Write for FREE catalog of Educational
software for Apple & TRS-80.

Teach Yourself by Computer Software

40 Stuyvesant Manor • Geneseo. New York 14454
(716)243-3005

CIRCLE 296 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Programable

INTERFACE

for the Apple II

The FLY BOARD is on interfacing system designed for Appte
Owners who wont to learn computer interfacing The FLY
BOARD is programable through BASIC or Assembly

Ply Board's Hardware:

• 16 bidirectional I/O lines

6522 VIAllTSfiS.

• interrupt ab*ty

• occeprs RP« commands

2K bytes RAM • ^ 0n o i^? M _

1 • not used by monitor. BASIC, or DOS

2 - 36" DIP Jumper Cables

• connect to your protects

Support Materials Included:

User'* Manual expertly written to guide the novice
ond mtngue the expert
Summary Card details at a glance
Engineer's Notebook 128 page electronic cookbook
6522 Data Sheet explains advanced features

only

Ready to use

SNAVE SYSTEMS

V«o. MC

129”

odd $2

PO Box 957

or Check

fox sftppng

NHes IL 60648

(312) 966-4505

CIRCLE 311 ON READER SERVICE CARD

EDUCATIONAL SOFTWARE

TRS-80, COLOR COMPUTER, PET
& APPLE II

ELEMENTARY MATH
SCIENCE HISTORY

GEOGRAPHY ACCOUNTING
ECONOMICS BUSINESS ED.
FOREIGN LANG. PHYSICS
GRAMMAR FARM RECORDS

Write for FREE Catalogue:

MICRO LEARNINGWARE, Box
2134, N Mankato, MN 56001
(507) 625-2205

VISA A MASTER CARD ACCEPTED

We pay 15% royalty for Educational
Programs listed with us.

TRS-80 is a registered trademark of
TANDY CORP.

PET is a trademark of COMMO¬
DORE BUS MACHINES.

APPLE is a trademark of APPLE
COMPUTER CO.

CIRCLE 229 ON READER SERVICE CARD

CIRCLE 223 ON READER SERVICE CARD
284

New Products, continued...

tions, decimals and percent, and pre¬
algebra skills. Features include on-screen
directions and examples, sound and color
reinforcers and a Teacher’s manual. The
series is also available for the Apple and
TRS-80 Model III. A complete set of les¬
sons costs $225 on disk and $245 on tape.
Each individual program sells for $59.80
on disk and $89.50 on tape. Math Facts
Games I provides practice in addition,
subtraction, multiplication, and division.
The user can also select from four games:
Count Down, Mystery Word, Tic-Tac-
Toe and Great Computer Challenge. The
program requires Extended Basic and 32K
of memory. It is available in TRS-80
Model III, Apple II and Atari 800 ver¬
sions. Tape, $39.50. Disk, $39.80. Berta-
max, Inc., 101 Nickerson, Suite 202,
Seattle, WA 98109. (206) 282-6249.

CIRCLE 431 ON READER SERVICE CARD

The Reading Machine, for the Apple
II, contains over 28 reading skill levels
ranging from alphabet matching and se¬
quencing to blends and digraphs. Features
include high-resolution graphics pictures
to match words, large size upper and
lower case letters, record keeping and
management systems and instructional
materials for parents and teachers. Rec¬
ommended for grades K-3. $59.95. South-
West EdPsych Services, Inc., P.O. Box
1870, Phoenix, AZ 85001. (602) 253-6528.

CIRCLE 432 ON READER SERVICE CARD

With Delta Drawing, children create
colorful drawings on the computer screen
using single keystroke commands to con¬
trol the cursor. Drawings can be saved on

a disk and printed—if a graphics printer
is available. Compatible with Apple,
Atari, and IBM systems, it retails for
$59.95. Spinnaker Software Corp., 215
First St., Cambridge, MA 02142.

CIRCLE 433 ON READER SERVICE CARD

April 1983 c Creative Computing

Designed to help master the art of
music, Music Games incorporates 12 pro¬
grams covering movement on a staff,
recognition of notes and rhythm,
measures, and musical pitches. Color
graphics and sound reproduction aid
recognition of notes and rhythms. The
package requires an Apple II with Apple¬
soft or Apple 11+, 48K and disk drive.
$39.95. Howard W. Sams & Co., Inc.,
4300 W. 62nd St., P.O. Box 7092, Indian¬
apolis, IN 46206. (317) 298-5400.

CIRCLE 434 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Disk Depot has released Multiplication
Facts Diagnostic for the Applesoft with
DOS 3.3 (or Hyper Dos) computer. The
program is designed to diagnose a stu¬
dent’s multiplication weaknesses or
strengths, and will print out a cure for the
problem. Teachers can choose from nine
levels of achievement, and when a student
has successfully completed a level, a “Cer¬
tificate of Mastery” is issued on the print¬
er. Sound is optional. $49.95. Disk Depot,
731 West Colorado Ave., Colorado
Springs, CO 80905.

CIRCLE 435 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Game Power For Phonics is a reading
skills program for the Apple II and TRS-
80 computers. Each game format focuses
on a single skill and may be played seven
ways with emphasis on word recognition,
non-verbal and verbal responses, compre¬
hension, sentence improvisation, articu¬
lation, and spelling. The package includes
a score-keeping system to record the stu¬
dent’s progress and a manual with 1280
language games. $28.50. The Button Box
Phonics Test Kit, useful in identifying a
student’s specific phonics difficulties is
also available for $10. Spin-a-test Com¬
pany, 404 Old Orchard Court, Danville,
CA 94526. (415) 837-4532.

CIRCLE 436 ON READER SERVICE CARD

M-R Information Systems announces
MicRo Math Blaster, a learning game for
the Vic-20. It is a combination of an
arcade game and basic mathematic drill
in addition, subtraction, multiplication
and division. Levels of difficulty include
grades 1-8. M-R Information Systems,
Inc., P.O. Box 73, Wayne, NJ 07470. (201)
696-3296.

CIRCLE 437 ON READER SERVICE CARD

The Microgroup has announced edu¬
cational software programs which allow
up to eight students to share a single
microcomputer while developing skills in
mathematics, language arts, science and
social studies. The 52 Microgroup pro¬
grams operate on Atari 400/800 com¬
puters with at least 16K memory. Games
include Word-Draw, Math-Hunt, and
Picture-Play and can be played both co¬

operatively and competively. Edupro,
P.O. Box 5136, Palo Alto, CA 94303. (415)
49+2790.

CIRCLE 438 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Fantasy adventure, arcade action, and
medical science are all combined in
Microbe: The Anatomical Adventure for
the Apple II computer. A miniaturized
submarine is injected into the human
body and its crew (the student) must find
and rid the body of diseases and repair
damage to the brain. Three levels of play
are available. The first level leads the

crew on an exploration of the human
body as they attempt to overcome obsta¬
cles, the second teaches facts about health
care, personal safety, anatomy and medi¬
cine, and the third is geared towards
college level science and medical stu¬
dents. The package sells for $44.95.
Synergistic Software, 830 N. Riverside
Dr., Suite 201, Renton, WA 98055. (800)
426-6505 or (206) 226-3216.

CIRCLE 439 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Spinnaker has introduced two edu¬
cational software packages for children.
Rhymes & Riddles is a letter guessing
game presented in three formats: Jokes
and Riddles, Nursery Rhymes, and
Famous Sayings. Each game is designed
to help children spell as well as learn
words to nursery rhymes and popular
sayings. The six games included in Kinder-
Comp, for youngsters 3-8, feature sound
and animation as the child develops draw¬
ing, number and matching skills. Each of
these packages sells for $29.95 and is
available in Apple, Atari and IBM ver¬
sions. Spinnaker Software, 215 First St.,
Cambridge, MA 02142. (617) 868-4700.

CIRCLE 440 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Type-It is a touch typing course for the
16K TRS-80 Model I and Model III com¬
puters. A video display provides the stu¬
dent with instructions, exercises, typing
areas and progress reports. The program
also allows the user to test his typing
speed for an interval of up to ten minutes.
It is available on diskette or cassette for
$20 and on TRSDOS diskette for $35.
Bluebirds Computer Software, 2267 23rd
St., Wyandotte, MI 48192. (313) 285-
4455.

CIRCLE 441 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Why Pay More

100% Satisfaction
Guaranteed (30 Days)

GOLDEN II PLUS —now $699.00

• 48K with 8 expansion slots

• Upper and lower case functions

• Additional numeric key pad

• 100% compatible to Apple II plus (TM)

• Language 6502/assembler

SLIM LINE

DISKDRIVE —$299 now$225

• Apple compatible

• 40 track, 80 when half tracking

• Data-transfer rate 125K bits/sec.

• Head loading time 35M sec

ACCESSORIES

Was

Now

1. 9" green monitor

$149.00

$134.00

2. 14" color monitor

$449.00

$399.00

3. Disk Drive

$375.00

$245.00

4. Slim Line Disk Drive

$299.00

$225.00

5. Dual Slim Line Disk Drive

$535.00

$399.00

6. Disk Interface Card

$159.00

$ 75.00

7. Printer Interface Card

$129.00

$ 99.00

8. Integer Card

$139.00

$ 99.00

9. Z-80 Card

$129.00

$ 99.00

10. 80 Column Card

$159.00

$ 99.00

11. RS 232 C

$125.00

$ 99.00

12. Language Card 16 K

$159.00

$ 99.00

13. T.V. Interface

$ 35.00

$ 15.00

14. Disketts

$ 3.95

$ 2.50

If it works or runs on

an Apple

(TM*) it

works or runs on ours

DISCOUNT COMPUTERS

3500 N. Orange Ave., Suite 102
Orlando, FL 32806

(305) 425-7770

Quality + Volume = Low Price
TERMS: Cashiers check, money order, or wire.
Checks require 10 days for clearing. No COD’s.
*TM - Apple Computer Co.

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

285

CIRCLE 313 ON READER SERVICE CARD

New Products, continued...

In The Doctor Game, patients come to
the doctor for help and become better or
worse depending on the diagnosis and
treatment by the player. The package
includes a full tutorial on the use of lab
testing facilities and a glossary of common
medical terms used in the game. The
game requires a Apple II with 48K and
requires a disk drive, S27.95. Simulation
Software Co., 6035 N. Maplewood Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60659.

CIRCLE 442 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Sofcrates: The Courseware Creator, an

Apple II authoring system, allows teach¬
ers to create lessons without program¬
ming. Copyable lesson disks feature glos¬
sary, multi-font color text, questions with
remediation, graphics, animation, student-
initiated branching, and progress tracking.
Interactive video and networking capa¬
bilities which can be added to existing
systems will be available in mid-1983.
$199. Simpac Educational Systems, Suite
11-C, 1105 N. Main St., Gainesville, FL
32601. (904) 376-2049.

CIRCLE 443 ON READER SERVICE CARD

GIVE YOUR APPLE®
INSTANT RECALL™

FOR JUST $59.95

Forget what you've heard about computer filing. INSTANT
RECALL just made everything easy. No fields, no forms, no
formats, no fooling. Nothing to set up before you get started.
And, best of all, INSTANT RECALL comes at a no-kidding price
of just $59.95.

Save your notes about everything. Keep track of appointments
and important dates. Record minutes of your meetings. Or
reminders about customers conferences, expenses, or just
about anything! You can mix up as many kinds of information
as you want, or you can organize different files on different
diskettes. Either way, INSTANT RECALL finds what you've filed
the instant you ask, whether or not you remember what's
there.

If you've got an Apple II® or Apple II Plus® with at least 48K,
one disk drive ancl Applesoft in ROM, what are you waiting for?
To find your nearest dealer or to order, call 800-428-3696 or
317-298-5566 and reference AD273. In Canada, contact
Lenbrook Industries, Ltd., Scarborough, Ontario.

SAMS

BOOKS

SAMS BOOKS AND SOFTWARE

Howard W. Sams & Co., Inc.

4300 West 62nd Street
RO. Box 7092
Indianapolis, IN 46206

Instant Recall is a trademark of Howard W. Sams & Co., Inc.

Apple II and Apple II Plus are registered trademarks of Apple Computer, Inc.

CIRCLE 265 ON READER SERVICE CARD

PERSONAL

E-Z Tax is a personal income tax prep¬
aration program capable of doing the
1040A (short form), the 1040EZ form (the
new IRS form for single tax payers), and

over 25 other IRS forms and schedules.

It is compatible with Apple, Atari, IBM,
and CP/M based systems. $69.95. E-Z
Tax, 2444 Moorpark Ave., Suite 208, San
Jose, CA 95128. (408) 998-1040.

CIRCLE 444 ON READER SERVICE CARD

HomeTax is a self-teaching personal
income tax preparation system from
Learning Shack. The program prompts
the user on all necessary tax questions
and processes the information required
for completing tax returns. The special
1040 transparency provided in the pack¬
age can be used over printout reports to
create finished tax returns on a copy
machine. A “Tax Planning Strategies
Manual” and a report that lists deductible
uses for computers are also included. The
system runs on most CP/M computers
with dual disk drives and at least 48K
RAM. (Apple II requires Softcard.) $95.
Learning Shack, Inc., 17981-J Sky Park
Circle, Irvine, CA 92714. (800) 782-8678
or (714) 966-6631.

CIRCLE 445 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Taxmode computes Federal income
taxes for 1982 and later and includes the
provisions of TEFRA of 1982 and infla¬
tion indexing beginning in 1985. Results
are displayed on the screen after each

ITEM I TED DEDUCTIONS

50 CHARITY ‘ >

51 CASUALTY LOSS

§2 UNION DUES

53 TAX PET PREP

54 OTHER MISC

TYPE N0N-NEGATIUE NUMBER

EFFECT ON X

EFFECT ON Y

INCLUDE APPLICABLE PRIOR YEmP CmPPVQUEPS
SYSTEM CHECKS FOP DEDUCTIBLE LIMITS

IABAMS*S TOTAL AflOUNTl

PRESS

TO LIST INPUT OPTIONS

entry, along with instructional input expla¬
nations. The package is available for the
Apple 11+ with 48K RAM and DOS 3.3.
$250. J.P. Sawhney & Co., Inc., 888 Seven¬
th Ave., New York, NY 10106. (212) 541-
8020.

CIRCLE 446 ON READER SERVICE CARD

286

April 1983 ° Creative Computing

The Tax Planner allows users to deter¬
mine the impact of Federal Income taxes
upon a given investment proposal. The
program computes single year income
taxes and shows tax effects for five years.
It can be used with the IBM PC, Apple II
and Apple III computers and retails for
$300. Money Tree Software, 550 SW
Fifth, Corvallis, OR 97333. (503) 757-
1114.

CIRCLE 447 ON READER SERVICE CARD

IBM has released several new software
packages for the IBM PC. Multiplan by
Microsoft is a spreadsheet simulator for
numeric modeling and planning. It does
projections, performs what-if sensitivity
analyses, budget and resource planning,
scheduling and many other tasks that
involve extensive manipulation of num¬
bers and formulas. $250. pfs: File by Soft¬
ware Publishing Corporation is an infor¬
mation management program with which
users can design forms for data and enter,
retrieve, modify and print information for
business, professional, home and edu¬
cation requirements. $140. pfs: Report by
Software Publishing Corporation enables
users to produce custom reports from files
created by pfs:File. Up to 16 columns
may be printed in a user-defined se¬
quence. Column averaging, counts, sub¬
totals, and grand totals are easily derived.
$125. Personal Editor is a full screen
editor for creating and editing of pro¬
grams as well as documents. $100. The
Basic Programming Development System
contains four utilities: Text File Editor,
Structured Basic Pre-processor, Basic For¬
matter, and Basic Cross-Reference. With
these utilities, advanced programmers can
write, edit and pre-process Basic pro¬
grams, format a program and produce a
cross reference listing of its variables,
statements and keywords. $130. Diskette
Librarian creates and maintains a catalog
of file names for people using a substantial
number of diskettes. $45. IBM Corp., P.O.
Box 1328, Boca Raton, FL 33432.

CIRCLE 448 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Radio Shack has introduced the Elec¬
tronic Broker software package for the
TRS-80 Model II. Electronic Broker
reviews and updates security prices, mar¬
ket averages, split stocks and adjustments
for dividends. Four libraries of infor¬
mation are built and maintained by the
program: a client accounts library (up to
500 client accounts), a securities library
(for up to 500 securities), an ongoing
transactions file and a matched-off liquid¬
ations file. The program also prepares
printed client portfolio statements for
position summaries, tax lots, a buy and
sell blotter, a posting journal and a liquid¬
ations report as an audit trail. $995. Avail¬
able at Radio Shack stores and computer
centers.

CIRCLE 165 ON READER SERVICE CARD

MEMOREX

FUXIBLB DISCS

WE WILL NOT BE UNDER¬
SOLD!! Call Free (800)235-4137

for prices and information Dealer
inquines invited and COD’s
accepted

PACIFIC

EXCHANGES

100 Foothill BJvd
San Luis Obispo. CA
93401 In Cal call
(800)592-5935 or
;805)543-1037

CIRCLE 229 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Maxell

Diskettes

The floppy disks that meet
or exceed every standard
of quality. Dealer inquiries
invited.

Call Toll Free ''\

1 - 800 - 237 - 8931 .

In Florida, call

813 - 577 - 2794 -

Tech • Data Corporation

3251 Tech Drive North
St. Petersburg, FL 33702

CIRCLE 290 ON READER SERVICE CARD

FOR THE WONDERFUL
WORLD OF ATARI
400 & 800 SYSTEMS

RCE ANNOUNCES...

( COMMANDER 2400 ;

AN INVITATION TO AN
EXCITING NEW DIMENSION
OF COMPUTER CONTROL
AND PROGRAMMING EASE.

2400 WITH KEY PAD - 2400 STANDARD

EXPERIENCE.

... The responsive feel of superbly crafted
engineering under your fingertips.

... The convenience and comfort of your own
detachable professional keyboard system.

... The beauty, elegance and natural warmth
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April 1983 ° Creative Computing

CIRCLE 247 ON READER SERVICE CARD

GCSPt

...applecart... apple

Steve Prescott

This month our guest Apple Cart tutor is Steve Prescott
who presents a tutorial and short program to change colors on
the Apple hi-res screens—EBS

Are you interested in high-resolution graphics? Would you
like to be able to change all the colors on either of the hi-res
screens automatically? Are you perhaps even slightly interested
in (dare I say it) machine language? If you can answer yes to
any of these questions, I’m sure you will be interested in the
short program that follows. The program is called Farbe Flip¬
per, and by taking a mere fifteen minutes to type it in now you
will gain an easy yet powerful graphics utility for life.

You may be wondering why I chose the name Farbe Flipper.
“Flipper” you understand, but “Farbe?” Let me give you a
hint: don’t even try looking it up unless you happen to have a
German dictionary around, because Farbe is the German word
for color. All right, now that we’ve cleared the first obstacle,
let’s attempt to understand the important thing: the program.

Memory: What is a Byte?

Part of Farbe Flipper is, as I have hinted, written in machine
language and, as the program is going to work with the actual
little memory “boxes” in which pictures are stored, it seems in
order to try to understand just how the Apple saves a picture.

The first thing you should know is how information is stored
in a computer. There are small packets of information called
bytes , and inside each byte are eight smaller packets called bits.
As the name implies, a bit is a very small piece of information.
It is either a one or a zero. A typical byte, therefore, would look
something like this:

10110010

Now that you know how information is stored, let’s look at
how the Apple uses these little packets to store a picture.

Hi-Res Graphics: Bit-by-Bit

What I will discuss here is also explained on pages 19 and 20
of the Apple II Reference Manual, but I will provide a slightly
more detailed explanation.

Steve Prescott, 2 Creekside Lane, Camp Hill, PA 17011.

If you have ever programmed in Basic, you may know that
there are two hi-res screens (HGR, HGR2). Inside the Apple,
there are actually two totally separate places in which these pic¬
tures are stored. The first or primary page starts at the ghastly
number of 8192 and goes to 16,383: the second or secondary
page starts at 16,384 and continues up to 24,575. At first
glance, these numbers can be quite intimidating, but they are
actually addresses just like your house number, and a picture
on the screen is stored in a series of bytes between the beginning
and ending addresses.

“Wait a second,” you may say, “the picture is stored there?
Uh.. did I miss something?” No, don’t worry, I’m getting to
that part. The above numbers are nice to know, but there is a
much easier way to remember them, and luckily in machine
language we can use the easier way.

The easier way is in hexadecimal (base 16). Take 8192, for
example: In hexadecimal, 8192 is equal to $2000, and that is a
great deal easier to remember. The dollar sign is there to
remind you the number is in hexadecimal. Figure 1 is an easy-
to-use chart for all the important hi-res addresses:

Page 1

Start: 8192 « $2000
End: 16,383 « $3FFF

Page 2

Start: 16,384 « $4000
End: 24,575 «$5FFF

What follows is a much simplified explanation of the color
switching process, but it is adequate for my purpose. A byte, as
I said, has eight bits, and for hi-res graphics each of seven of
the eight bits represents one point on the hi-res screen. The
eighth bit is used to select which color the points will be.

To change the colors on the screen, all we have to do is
switch all the ones to zeros and all the zeros to ones inside a
hi-res byte. This is done with an eor or Exclusive-OR instruc¬
tion. What an eor does is compare two bits, and if neither of
them is equal to one or if both are equal to one, the answer is
equal to zero, but if only one of them is equal to one, the an¬
swer is also equal to one. This is concisely summarized in the
following truth table:

First Bit

Second

Bit

What is important is that whenever you eor a bit with a one,
it will change to the opposite state; ie., a one will change to a
zero, and a zero will change to a one. Now you just extend that

288

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CIRCLE 236 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Apple Cart, continued...

idea. Since we want to change the state of every bit in the byte,
we can eor our byte with 11111111, which in hexadecimal is
$FF. For example, if I eor our sample byte, I get:

10 110 0 10
11111111

0 10 0 110 1

(Sample byte)

(eor with $FF)

(Result)

Notice that the result is the opposite of the sample byte, just as
we thought it would be. Once you understand this concept, you
have the key to the entire Farbe Flipper program.

Listing 1.

*300L

0300-

A 9

LDA

#$00

0302-

STA

$ 1A

0304-

LDA

#$20

0306-

STA

$ IB

0308-

LDY

#$00

030A-

LDA

($1A), Y

0300

EOR

#$FF

030E-

STA

< $ 1A) , Y

0310-

INC

$ 1A

0312-

BNE

$030A

0314-

INC

$ IB

0316-

LDA

$ 1B

0318-

CMP

#$40

031 A—

BNE

$030A

0310

RTS

031D-

BRK

031E-

BRK

03 IF-

BRK

0320-

BRK

0321-

BRK

*300.31C

0300- A9 00 85 1A A9 20 85 IB

0308- A0 00 B1 1A 49 FF 91 1A

0310- E6 1A D0 F6 E6 IB A5 IB

0318- C9 40 D0 EE 60

Machine Language

The machine language program which uses the color-switch¬
ing process described above is a fairly straightforward yet use¬
ful introduction to a low level language. I will go through the
program one line at a time and explain each one.

0300- A9 00 LDA #$00

LDA #$00 means LoaD the Accumulator with the number
zero. The accumulator is really just a machine language vari¬
able, so a comparable Basic statement would be 300 A=0

0302- 85 1A STA $1A

ST A $1A means STore the Accumulator in memory location
$1A. The dollar sign, remember, signifies hexadecimal, and the
first two lines are really putting a zero into $1A so that we can
use it later.

290

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

0304- A9 20 LDA #$20

LDA #$20 means LoaD the Accumulator with the number
20. The zero which had been in the accumulator is automati¬
cally erased when the 20 is loaded.

0306- 85 IB STA $1B

ST A $1B means STore the Accumulator which is now equal to
#$20 in location $1B, which is the location immediately
following the one in which the zero was stored. After these first
four instructions, memory locations $1A and $1B would be as
follows:

$ 1A $ 1B

p£$00 | #$20l

The way we are going to change the color of every point on
the screen is by EORing each byte with #$FF, but we need
some way of telling the Apple which byte we want to change.
To go through the memory byte-by-byte, we will use indexed
indirect addressing. What this does is not actually address each
byte individually, but rather address it by how far away it is
from the beginning of a block of memory.

The #$00 and #$20 that we put into $1A and $1B were the
beginning pointers, except that they are backwards. (They have
to be for indexed indirect addressing.) If you reverse the num¬
bers and put them together, you get #$2000, which should
look familiar as it is the beginning of the primary hi-res
graphics screen.

Okay, let’s see if we understand everything so far: to change
the color of every point, we are going to eor each byte with
#$FF. In order to eor each byte, however, we must address it
(find it), and for that we use indirect indexed addressing.

The addressing method has two parts, the beginning pointers
and the offset pointer. The beginning pointers must be stored
backwards in the zero page (the beginning of the Apple’s

April 1983 ® Creative Computing 291

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Apple Cart, continued...

memory), and we did that by storing #$00 and #$20 in $1A
and $1B respectively. Okay, but what about the offset pointer?
I hope that is what you are wondering, because that is what we
are going to do right now.

0308- AO 00 LDY #$00

LDY #$00 means LcaD the Y register with the number zero.
The Y register is another machine language variable, just like
the accumulator, so a comparable Basic statement would be
308 Y=0

In this program, we will use the Y register as the offset
pointer, as you will see right now.

030A- B1 1A LDA ($ 1A) ,Y

LDA ($1A),Y finally uses the indirect indexed addressing to
LoaD the Accumulator. It loads the accumulator with the byte
whose address is the numbers in $1A and $1B plus the Y
register. For example, right now $1A and $1B are $2000 and
the Y register is #$00, so:

$2000 (beginning pointer)

+ #$ 00 (offset pointer)

$2000 (result: byte to be loaded)

and the accumulator will be loaded with the information in
byte $2000. Now that we have the hi-res byte, let’s change the
colors.

030C- 49 FF EOR #$FF

This is the basis of the entire program, and as I have shown, it
changes every bit in the accumulator to the opposite state. Now
that the byte is changed, all that remains is to store it back in
its place and get the next byte.

030E- 91 1A STA ($ 1A) ,Y

STA ($1A),Y means STore the Accumulator in the byte whose
address is the numbers in $1A and $1B plus the Y register.
Since neither $1A, $1B, nor the Y register has been changed
since the byte was loaded, the contents of the accumulator are
put back exactly as they were found, except that now the byte is
exactly the opposite of what it originally was. What the remain¬
der of this program does is change the pointers so that a new
byte is loaded into the accumulator each time.

The main way of loading successive bytes is by incrementing
(adding one to) the Y register, but this has a significant limita¬
tion: the largest number the Y register can hold is #$FF, and
that is not nearly enough of an offset to access the entire hi-res
page. The way to solve this, therefore, is to INCrement the
beginning pointers ($1A and $1B) and keep the offset pointer
(Y register) equal to zero. Here it is:

0310- E6 1A INC $ 1A

INC $1A means INCrement memory location $1A, so in our
case $1A would change from zero to one. If we switch the
order of $1A and $1B, we get the number $2001, which is the
next byte of the hi-res screen and therefore the next byte we
want to change.

0312- DO F6 BNE $030A

BNE $030A means Branch if the last arithmetic operation did
Not Equal zero to the line which begins at $030A. You may
wonder how adding to a positive number would ever result in

CIRCLE 133 ON READER SERVICE CARD

292

April 1983 ° Creative Computing

zero. Just like the Y register, any memory location can hold a
number only up to #$FF, and when #$01 is added to #$FF,
the Apple automatically makes it a zero.

In our program, therefore, the beginning pointer history
would look like this: $2000, $2001, $2002,... ,$20FF, $2000.
This is not what we want, for you notice that in the end we
begin to repeat, changing bytes that we already have changed,
and we never get to any of the memory above $20FF. There¬
fore, BNE $030A means that if, when you add #$01 to $1A,
you get a whole number, go to line number $030A. But if you
get a zero, you drop down to the next line where the problem
will be handled.

0314- E6 IB INC $1B

INC $1B means INCrement memory location $1B. In normal
(base 10) arithmetic, if you add one to 99, you get

+ 1
100

Our program is doing the same sort of thing, only it is in
hexadecimal. F is the hexadecimal equivalent of 15, so it is the
largest possible one-digit number in base 16, just as 9 is the
largest possible one-digit number in base 10. Therefore:

#$FF
+ #$01
#$100

What INC $1B does is add one to the first half of the pointer
whenever the second half has reached its limit. The last byte in
which we want to switch the colors is $3FFF, the end of HGR,
so now we will check to see if the next byte to be changed is
$4000; and if it is, we want to stop.

0316- A5 IB LDA $1B

LDA $1B means LoaD the Accumulator with the number in
memory location $1B. It does not mean Load the Accumulator
with the actual number #$1B, and the difference is that the
LDAs in lines $0300 and $0304 have number signs (#) before
the numbers.

0318- C9 40 CMP #$40

CMP #$40 means CoMPare the accumulator with the number
#$40. To compare it, the Apple really subtracts #$40 from
the accumulator. The answer is not stored anywhere, but
certain flags are set that we can check to see what happened
when the subtraction took place.

031A- DO EE BNE $030A

BNE #030A means Branch if the subtraction did Not Equal
zero to the line at $030A. In almost all cases, the program at
this point will go to $030A, but when $1B is equal to #$40, the
entire hi-res screen will have been switched, and the program
will drop down to the next line.

031C- 60 RTS

RTS means ReTurn from the Subroutine. This entire machine
language program is really just a subroutine or a program
within a program, so after this part is finished, we want to
return to the other section. What will actually happen is that
we will, in effect, jump back into the Basic program.

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April 1983 ® Creative Computing

293

Apple Cart, continued...

Listing 2.

ONERR

GOTO 100

210

PRINT TAB ( 5) ; "4) DISPLAY ?< CHANGE GRAPHICS SCREEN

20 D$ = CHR* (4)

220

PRINT : PRINT TAB( 5);"5) LOAD A

SCREEN"

REM

******************

230

PRINT : PRINT TAB( 5);"6> SAVE THE SCREEN

REM

* '

240

PRINT : PRINT "->";: GET CH$:CH

1 = VAL (CHS)

REM

* FARBE FLIPPER *

250

IF CH < 0 OR CH > 6 THEN 100

REM

260

IF CH = 1 OR CH = 2 THEN PG - CH:

GOTO 100

REM

* BY

270

IF CH = 0 THEN END

REM

280

IF CH = 5 THEN 400

REM

* STEVE PRESCOTT *

290

IF CH = 6 THEN 460

REM

REM DISPLAY SCREEN

REM

******************

310

POKE 49232,0: POKE 49234,0: POKE 49235 + PG,0:

40 PG » 1

POKE

49239,0

DATA

169,00,1

33,26,169,32, 133,27,160,00,177,

320

IF CH = 4 THEN 340

26,73,255,

145,26,230,

26,208,246,230,27,165,27,201,64,

330

GET A$: GOTO 100

208,

,238,96

340

REM CHANGE

FOR J *

= 768 TO 796

350

FOR P = 1 TO 1501 NEXT

READ K

: POKE J,K

360

IF PG = 1 THEN POKE 773,32: POKE

793,64

NEXT J

370

IF PG = 2 THEN POKE 773,64: POKE

793,96

POKE 1014,0: POKE

1015,3

380

100

TEXT

: POKE 49236,0: HOME

390

GOTO 330

1 10

TAB( 15);

"FARBE FLIPPER"

400

REM LOAD A SCREEN

120

VTAB

410

PRINT ""

130

TAB( 5);"

0) END": PRINT

420

PRINT D$!"CATALOG"

140

NORMAL : IF PG =

: 1 THEN INVERSE

430

PRINT : INPUT "FILE: ";FILE*

150

TAB < 5); M

1) PAGE 1"

440

PRINT D$;"BLOAD ";FILES;",A$";2 *

PG;"000"

160

NORMAL : PRINT

450

GOTO 100

170

IF PG

= 2 THEN

INVERSE

460

REM SAVE SCREEN

180

TAB < 5);"

2) PAGE 2"

470

PRINT : INPUT "FILENAME: FILES

190

NORMAL : PRINT

480

PRINT D*;"BSAVE ";FILES;",AS";2 *

PG;"000,

200

TAB( 5);"

3) DISPLAY GRAPHICS SCREEN"

L$1FFF"

: PRINT

490

GOTO 100

So there it is—a brief, yet complete Apple machine language
program that you can understand. You may wonder what the
two-digit numbers are between the line numbers and the
instructions: those are OP-codes, numbers that the Apple uses
internally to store your program. To type in this program, it is
actually easier to use these OP-codes. Just type:

]CALL -151

*300 : A9 00 85 ... EE 60 (RETURN)

*(CONTROL-C)

You can actually type the entire program (all the OP-codes) in
on one line, as long as you remember to leave one space
between each two-digit number.

Back to Basic

The Basic program printed here is a short driver routine for
the machine language subroutine we just analyzed and is
divided into three main sections:

• A read-data loop which pokes the machine language
program into memory.

• The menu or list of options

• The execution of the various options.

In line 50 you see a long string of numbers in a data state¬
ment. These numbers are the decimal (base 10) equivalents of
the OP-codes that you used to type in the machine language
program, and by READing them and POKEing them into
memory, this Basic program writes the machine language
subroutine for you.

If, for you own programs, you just want the machine lan¬
guage subroutine, you can merely type in lines 50-90, and the
routine will be accessible with the ampersand (&). What line 90
does is tell the computer where to jump when you use the
ampersand, and by POKEing 00 and 03 (0 and 3), you are telling
the computer to go to $0300. (Yes, you must reserve them
again.)

The next section of the program is the menu or list of
options, and it is fairly self-explanatory. PG is a variable telling
which page is presently being used. If PG=1, option one is

printed in inverse, but if PG = 2, option two is printed in
inverse. Line 240 gets your choice (CH$), and lines 250-290
analyze it.

The subroutine starting at line 300 displays the screen, and
the series of pokes in line 310 is a way of showing the hi-res
screen without destroying the contents using the “soft-
switches” described on page 13 of the Reference Manual.

Starting at line 340, the actual color changing takes place.
Because the Apple has two hi-res graphics screens, Farbe Flip¬
per must know which one you want to use. You may remember
that in the beginning of the machine language subroutine we
saved a #$20 for page one (the first hi-res screen); for page two
the beginning is #$40, and we want to stop when the next byte
will be $6000.

Lines 360 and 370 of the Basic program enter the correct
values: if you are working on page one, the program pokes in
32 (#$20 in hexadecimal) as the beginning address and 64
(#$40 in hexadecimal) as the ending address. If you are work¬
ing on page two, the program pokes in 64 and 96 (#$60 in
hexadecimal). Line 380 may look strange, but this is what ties
the machine language subroutine and the Basic program to¬
gether. In a way, it is saying, “Okay, you know which screen
we are using now, so go ahead and change the colors.”

Now that you know how Farbe Flipper works, have fun with
it, play with it, even change it if you want. To save the Basic
program, type:

SAVE FARBE FLIPPER

and if you want to save the machine language subroutine
separately (you don’t have to), type:

BSAVE FARBE FL I PPER. CODE, A$300 , L$1E

If you use another program that makes a neat picture, and
you would like to change it, you can load Farbe Flipper with¬
out hurting either of the hi-res screens in any way. I have tried
to make this program as compact as possible, but if you think
you can improve it, go ahead. The best way to learn is by
experimenting, and I would be happy to hear about how you
changed and improved this printed version. □

294

April 1983 c Creative Computing

The

Gateway
Guide to the

ZX81 and
ZX80

More than 70 Program*

by Mark Chariton
Creative Combating

TheZX81

Companion

» Ee*J Time Graphics
* Information Processing

♦ Educational Applications

* Monitor Listing

Get the most from your SINCLAIR

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Getting
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Third Edition
More than 80 Programs

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Creative Computing Press

The ZX81 Companion

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Getting Acquainted With
Your ZX81

The Gateway Guide to the
ZX81 and ZX80

The ZX81 Companion follows the same
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“Thoughtfully written, detailed, and
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-MUSE

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This informative volume for the new
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Burst and Derby Day. The book also
shows programs for cascading sine
waves, plotting graphs and tables, data
sorting, equation solving, plus the use
of PLOT SCROLL, PRINT TAB, PEEK,
POKE and much more!

by Mark Charlton

The Gateway Guide is a practical pro¬
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furnishes over 70 fully documented pro¬
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have been written for easy conversion
from machine to machine (ZX81 or
Timex Sinclair 1000,4K ZX80 or 1K
ZX80). The Gateway Guide describes
each function and statement, illustrates
it with a demonstration routine or pro¬
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5V2"x 8", Softbound. #160 $9.95 ($2.00)

5V2"x 8", Softbound. #15Y $9.95 ($2.00)

Computers for Kids (Sinclair Edition) by Sally Larsen

This new edition of Computers for Kids is written specifically to introduce
children aged 8 to 13 to the ZX81 or Timex Sinclair 1000. The book
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enables a youngster to program a Sinclair in less than an hour. There’s
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8V2 ,# x 11 ", Softbound. #12S $4.95 ($1.00)

Also available at your local bookstore or computer store.
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pf...commodore's port...cc

You may have noticed the new look of
our Commodore column this month.
Well Commodore itself has a new look,
so its column should have a new look,
and a new thrust, as well. Don’t despair,
Pet owners—much of the material that
will appear in Commodore’s Port will
pertain to all Commodore computers, so
don’t feel left out. If you are a Vic 20 or
Commodore 64 owner, rejoice and look
forward to increased support for your
machines in the pages of Creative
Computing.

Riddle Me this

I have a riddle for you. Here’s a hint:
George Washington never slept in
Sunnyvale. Question: What do Silicon
Valley, CA and Valley Forge, PA have
in common? Right: both are hubs of
microcomputer manufacturing in this
country. I recently visited Commodore,
in Wayne, PA, to take a look around
and talk about that company’s plans for
the future.

According to Neil Harris, in 1980,
10,000 Vic 20 units were sold nation¬
wide. Toward the end of 1982, Com¬
modore was manufacturing 10,000 Vic
20 units per day. And the new machine,
the 64, is back-ordered in the tens of
thousands of units. Commodore is tak¬
ing some aggressive steps to meet this
demand.

John J. Anderson

I toured their new plant in West¬
chester, PA, which has over 13 acres of
space (see photos). Obviously Com¬
modore is planning extensive product
line expansion in the near future. With
more than 600,000 square feet, the West¬
chester plant will not be outgrown for at
least a little while.

This year will mark a significant mile¬
stone for Commodore, and they are
quite proud of it. The capabilities of
their latest machine, the Commodore 64,
seem to bear out the company’s most
ambitious hopes for the future.

The 64 is truly an impressive machine.
I have seen demo programs that come
very close to cartoon-quality animation,
straightforwardly written in Basic with¬
out any resort to esoteric machine code.
That kind of potential warms my heart.
If someone like me can get his hands on
the animation and sound abilities of the
64, from Basic, and obtain dramatic re¬
sults, then anybody can.

One exciting promise from Com¬
modore for 1983 is a piano keyboard
peripheral for the 64. This will allow for
real-time programming of the sophis¬
ticated SID sound chip, using a very

friendly input device. You must hear
this chip to believe it—it sounds as good
as many a dedicated music synthesizer.
Together with the graphics magic of the
machine, the SID chip shows a great
deal of promise. I have not been as ex¬
cited about a microcomputer since the
Atari machine was introduced!

Disk Drive Rediscovered

Rarely, but much more often than I’d
like, I hear criticisms along the following
lines: the news we read in the pages of
Creative Computing is all too rosy. How
could it be that nearly every product we
evaluate is so remarkable, useful, and/or
enjoyable? People who voice this accusa¬
tion have formed the opinion that we
must be in cahoots with manufacturers,
printing only good things about their
products, in return for their advertising.

I laugh when I hear this kind of stuff,
only because it is so far from the truth.
Okay, most of the evaluations you see in
the magazine are favorable—this is be¬
cause we opt to give first coverage to
products that truly deserve coverage.
Not to say that the products we have not
reviewed are uniformly disappointing,
nor that all products we do cover are
terrific.

As a good example in the latter cate¬
gory, pick up a copy of the Creative
Computing 1983 Buyer's Guide, and

296

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

The Light Pen

at^the

Right Price:

Shown actual size.

Less is more. This
maxim has never been
more true than now with
the introduction of our new
Edumate Light Pen. This
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was originally designed and
developed for use with our
Learning Center educational soft¬
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VIC-20 or Commodore 64, regardless
of application. Response has been so
overwhelming that we now announce a
new price schedule for quantity orders:

1-4— $ 29 95 each
5-24— $ 20 97 each 25-99— $ 19 48 each

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Commodore’s Port, continued...

Neil Harris, Technical Product Manager
for Commodore.

Commodore’s Westchester plant churns
out 10,000 units a day.

Jim Campagna, Build Line Supervisor,
(left), and David Rogers, Director of
Special Markets, show off the baby.

Putting the pieces together.

Once the quality is in, the name goes on.

Dave Carlon, Plant manager, in the fray.

For him, management always means Morale is squarely bolstered here: A
t( hands-on ” happy line is an efficient one.

Vic-20’s hot off the line.

1835 ?^

gagjjSM"* j

298

April 1983 ° Creative Computing

GUIDE TO VIC-20
PROGRAMMING

If you’ve purchased a VIC-20 recently, you
probably know all about playing its great
games. But if you’re now ready to learn
about computer programming, it’s time you
discovered Getting Acquainted With Your
VIC-20.

This newly revised book is a step-by-step
guide to programming your VIC. Starting
with the functions and commands of the
BASIC language, it quickly teaches you how
to write and adapt programs on your own.
And then it shows you how to write pro¬
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puter’s outstanding color, sound and music
capabilities!

Even if you’ve never touched a computer
before, the easy "learn by doing’’ tech¬
niques-coupled with the more than 60
programs in the book-will make you an
expert VIC programmer in no time.

For parents and educators, there’a sec¬
tion on "VIC as Teacher" that can help you
use your computer as a powerful children’s
learning aid in the classroom or at home.

Get the most from your new VIC-20.
Order your copy of Getting Acquainted
With Your VIC-20 today!

5!4" x 8H", softcover.

Over 60 full program listings.

VIC is a registered trademark of Commodore Business Machines.

For faster service, PHONE TOLL FREE:

800 - 631-8112

_ On HI 201-540-0445) _

Also available at your local
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I~CREATIVE COMPUTING PReIs~1

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Money order or cheque in Canadian funds.
Cassette, Micropolis Mod II, Exidy disks.
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Commodore’s Port, continued...

Control Characters Used In The Listing.

How to get
it on the

Character keyboard Program line(s)

(inverse

heart)

“shift"

and

“clear"

10. 250. 300, 350,
400, 450, 500, 550,
600, 670.

(inverse

British

"pound**

sign)

“control"

and

“red"

262

(inverse R)

“control"
and “9"

262, 276

(inverse

underline)

“control"
and “0“

262

(inverse

left

, arrow)

"control"

and

“blue"

262

(inverse
up arrow)

"control"

and

“green"

276

Figure 1.

evaluate the objectivity of the utter
lambasting I dealt to the Commodore
Vic 1540 disk drive. This was a product
I felt was of great importance, and to my
horror, I discovered was quite a dis¬
appointment. Anybody who says we pull
punches ought to take a close look at
that piece, and then reappraise his
outlook.

Now while we are on the topic of re¬
appraising outlooks, I have some very
good news to relate concerning the new
Vic 1541 drive. Its makers have made a
very successful attempt to redress the
grievances I leveled at the 1540, and this
pleases me to no end.

One of my strong objections con¬
cerned the manual, which easily quali¬
fied for the “Worst Documentation of
the Year” award. Well I am sincerely
happy to report that the documentation
has been entirely rewritten, and is now
suitable for reading by human beings. In
fact, it has gone from one extreme to the
other: it now stands as an example of
how a manual can impart all needed
information in a friendly, organized, and
easily understood manner.

Transposition of I’s with l’s and O’s
with O’s is now a thing of the past, while
integral commas, missing in the earlier
incarnation of the manual, have made a
belated appearance.

Even more important, DOS wedges
for the Vic and 64 are now included with
every Vic 1541, providing a gamut of
commands at your fingertips (see Figure
1). Thus tedious and cryptic coding of
commands through Basic is eliminated.
This was the central criticism I made of
the 1540 unit. As a peripheral designed

Menu Program.

1 POKE 53281,1:REM THIS LINE FOR 64 VERSION ONLY
10 PRINT"!"

20 PRINT” VIC-1540 USER'S MENU"

30 PRINT”- ,!

40 PRINT

50 PRINT" 1. DISK DIRECTORY
60 PRINT" 2. FORMAT NEW DISK
70 PRINT” 3. INITIALIZE DISK
80 PRINT" 4. COPY FILE
90 PRINT" 5. RENAME FILE
108 PRINT" 6. ERASE FILECS)

110 PRINT” 7. VALIDATE FILES”
i20 PRINT" 8. WRITE MENU FILE"

130 PRINT" 9. ERROR STATUS"

140 PRINT" 10. EXIT TO BASIC"

150 PRINT

160 PRINT"-"

170 PRINT" INPUT NUMBER OF YOUR" : PRINT" CHOICE, HIT <RETURN>

180 PRINT

190 INPUT CHOICE

200 ON CHOICE 00SUB 250,300,350,400,450,500,550,600,650,700
218 GOTO 10

250 PRINT"3"

251 OPEN 1,8,8,

252 GET #i,A*,B*

254 GET #1,A*,P*

256 GET #1,R*,B*

258 C*8 : IF A*0”"THEN C*flSC<A*>

268 IF B*0”"THEN C*C+ASC<B*>#256
262 PRINT"WMID$<STRf<C),2);TRB<3);"S "j
264 GET #i,B* : IF STO0THEN 282
266 IF B*OCHR*<34>THEN 264

268 GET #1,B* : IF B*OCHR*<34> THEN PRINTB*.: :G0T0268
270 GET #1,B*-IF B**CHE*<32> THEN 270
272 PRINTTAB(i8>;:C*«”"

274 C*=C*+B*:GET #1,B* : IF B*<>""THEN 274
276 PR I NT" 6iS” LEFT * < C*,3 >

280 IF ST*0 THEN 254
282 PRINT" BLOCKS FREES"

284 CLOSE i:PRINT:PRINT:PRINT"HIT <RETljRN> FOR MENU": INPUT X* : RETURN
300 PRINT”!":PRINT:PRINT

385 PRINT”INSERT DISK TO BE":PRINT"FORMATTED.":PRIN T
318 PRINT"INPUT DISK NAME" :INPUT DISK*

320 PRINTtPRINT "INPUT EXTENDER NAME":INPUT EXT*

325 MACRO*-" N: ,! *D I SK*+ 1 "," +EXT*

330 OPEN 15,8,15,MACRO*

348 CLOSE 15 : MRCRO**"" : RETURN
350 PRINT"3" :PRINT:PRINT

360 PRINT"INSERT DISK TO BE" ' PRINT"INITIRLIZED." : PRINT
370 PRINT"HIT <RETURN> TC":PRINT"INITIALIZE":INPUT X*

388 OPEN 15,8,15,"I"

398 CLOSE 15:RETURN
480 PRINT"3* :PRINT : PRINT

418 PRINT"INPUT SOURCE FILE NAME" :INPUT DISK*

428 PRINT:PRINT "INPUT NEW FILE NAME":INPUT NWS*

425 MACRO**"C:"+NUS*+"="+DISK*

438 OPEN 15,8,15,MACRO*

440 CLOSE 15:MACRO**"":RETURN

458 PRINT"3" :PRINT:PRINT

468 PRINT"INPUT OLD FILE NAME" :INPUT DISK*

470 PR I NT: PR I NT '-INPUT NEW FILE NAME": INPUT NWS*

475 MACRO**"R : "+NWS*+"*"+DISK*

480 OPEN 15,8,15,MACRO*

498 CLOSE 15:MACRO**"":RETURN
588 PRINT"!":PRINT:PRINT

518 PRINT"INPUT FILE NAME(S) TO" : PRINT"DELETEINPUT DISK*

520 PRINT:PRINT:PRINT"HIT <RETijRN> TO DELETE" : INPUT X*

530 MACRO**"S : "+DISK*

535 OPEN 15,8,15,MACRO*

548 CLOSE 15=MACRO**"":RETURN
553 PRINT"S" :PRINT:PRINT

568 r RI NT " WARN x NO : OPEN FILES "-‘PR I NT" WILL BE DELETED"

570 PRINT: FRINT: PRINT !, HIT <RET«JRN> TO": PR I NT" VALIDATE": INPUT X*

580 OPEN 1,8,15,"V"

598 CLOSE 1:RETURN
600 PRINT”!":PRINT:PRINT

610 PRINT”INSERT DISK TO BE"’ P RINT"WRITTEN TO." : PRINT

628 PRINT:PRINT:PRINT"HIT <RETURN> TO WRITE”:PRINT"MENU FILE”:INPUT X*

625 OPEN 1,8,15

630 SAVE ”MENU”,8

635 CLOSE 1

640 RETURN

650 OPEN 1,8,15

663 INPUT#!,A,B*,C,D

670 PRINT"!" :PRINT : PRINT

680 PRINT"ERROR STATUS":PRINT:PRINT"ERROR # ":P:PRINT B*:PRINT"TRACK ";C
685 PRINT: PRINT”8 = NO ERROR"

698 PRINT:PRINT:PRINT"HIT <RFTURN> FOR MENU":INPUT X*:CLOSE i'RETURN
700. PR I NT ” !" : PR I NT: PR I NT

718 PRINT"NOTE: MENU PROGRAM IS":RRINT”STILL RESIDENT."

728 END

/'SECTOR ”;D

300

April 1983 ° Creative Computing

to service the Vic 20, with its excellent
reputation as a learning machine, the
new drive now lives up to the aspirations
of the computer for which it was de¬
signed, as well as the dramatic promise
of the model 64.

The 1541 is the replacement drive for
both machines, and the 1540 has already
been phased out. Owners of 1540 units
can purchase easy-to-install upgrade
ROMs, to transform their machines into
mechanical equivalents of the 1541. I
have had very little trouble transferring
Vic files to the 64, and vice versa.
Though there are some differences in the
way each machine handles the drive,
these are easily surmounted.

Baby Driver Reborn

For owners of the 1540 who have not
yet acquired the ROM upgrade or DOS
wedge programs, we have reproduced
here an improved menu program, simi¬
lar to the one we printed with the orig¬
inal 1540 piece. The idea of the program
is to dispose of cryptic command codes
wherever possible, in favor of a menu-
based “mini-DOS.” It is much less
powerful than the Commodore DOS
wedge, and is written in Basic as op¬
posed to machine language. But its util¬
ity cannot be discounted—it will

certainly help until you obtain the hard¬
ware and software upgrade.

I said in the Buyer's Guide that “ a
few ROMs from now, working with the

1540 disk drive will probably be child’s
play.” I was wrong on this score: true
user-friendliness was only a single ROM
away. D

LET YOUR APPLE SEE THE

The DS-65 Digisector opens up a whole new world for your Apple II. Your computer
can now be a part of the action, taking pictures to amuse your friends, watching your
house while you’re away, taking computer portraits ... the applications abound! The
DS-65 is a random access video digitizer. It converts a TV camera’s output into digital
information your computer can process. The DS-65 features:

• High Resolution — a 256 x 256 picture element scan
• Precision — 64 levels of grey scale
• Versatility — Accepts either NTSC or industrial video input
— A professional tool priced for the hobbyist

The DS-65 is an intelligent peripheral card with on-board software in 2708 EPROM.

Check these software features:

• Full screen scans directly to Apple Hi-Res screen

• Easy random access digitizing by Basic programs

• Line-scan digitizing for reading charts or tracking objects

• Utility functions for clearing and copying the Hi-Res screen

Use the DS-65 for precision security systems; computer portraiture; robotics; fast to slow scan conversion; moving target indicators;
reading UPC codes, musical scores and paper tape and more! GIVE YOUR APPLE THE GIFT OF SIGHT! DS-65 Price: $349.95 / FSII
Camera Price: $299.00 / Combination Price: $599.00

HI RES PICTURE USING THE DS-65
AND PICTURE SCANNER SOFTWARE

ADDITIONAL SOFTWARE FOR THE DS-65

— Picture Scanner: Provides a variety of different dithering algorithms for compressing the digitized image into the Hi-Res
screen. Available on 13-sector disk. Price: $39.95

—Superscan: Enables you to enhance the DS-65’s Hi-Res pictures with colors! Choose from 21 different colors and assign them
to grey scale values, modify pictures, zoom, enhance contrast, etc. Print routines for the Anadex and Paper Tiger* are provided.
Comes on a 13-sector disk. Written for The Micro Works by Magna Soft. Price: $79.95

— Portrait System Software: This program includes captions and a credit line, reverse printing for T-shirt application and the
option to save portraits on disk. Specifically for use with a Malibu 165 printer. Call or write for more information.

TM mo©i^o)

‘Paper Tiger is a trademark of Integral Data Systems, Inc.

MasterCharge/Visa Accepted

P.O. BOX 1110 DEL MAR, CA 92014 714-942-2400

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

CIRCLE 214 ON READER SERVICE CARD

mages. ..ibm images... ibm im

Having just finished Christmas and
the New Year, I must say I enjoyed my
holiday. I’m tired but relaxed. I received
no toys for Christmas.

I had a birthday, too. No, I’m not go¬
ing to tell you how old I am. I’m afraid
my older readers would think I’m too
young to know what I’m talking about,
and my younger readers would think
I’m too old to know what I’m talking
about. I got one toy for my birthday, Pit-
fall for the Atari VCS. My son Josh
bought it for me (I think). I haven’t yet
figured out how to plug it into the PC.
Works fine on the VCS, though.

Last month I said I would consider
working up the Basic interface to BIOS
depending upon my state of mind
through the holiday. My state of mind
was not the best: Trudeau went into
hibernation for a couple of years so no
more “Doonesbury,” and I was re¬
decorating (a mild term to describe the
work I did) the bathroom. I know that’s
all I need to say to gain your full
sympathy.

Comdex

As part of my regular job I follow
technology. That has not taken me to
Comdex shows before, because I don’t
work for an “ISO,” or Independent
Sales Organization, the stated audience
for all Comdex shows. This year, how¬
ever, I expected considerable action in
this arena and thought I might learn
something of value for the company.
Since I was there anyway, I assigned
10% of one eyeball to the IBM PC.

W.H. Fastie, 7110 Sheffield Rd., Baltimore, MD
21212. Correspondence can only be acknowledged
when a stamped, self-addressed envelope has been pro¬
vided. Source Address: TCP 394.

Will Fastie

My expectation was accurate: the big¬
gest Comdex ever—the exhibit area
filled the cavernous Las Vegas Conven¬
tion Center. In my two days on the
floor, I was not able even to pass every
booth, much less stop and chat. I think
there were over 1000 exhibitors. I’ll in¬
vest a week next year.

I thought there were three major areas
of interest at the show from a purely
general point of view. First, there were
disk drive manufacturers all over the
place. Most of the names were familiar,
but there were some newcomers too.
This business is really hot, but I think
there has to be some fallout soon. Most
of the booths seemed pretty dull, with
little new or exciting, but with sales¬
people touting this increased capacity or
that recording improvement.

I found the SyQuest booth the one
exception (see my article in this issue).
Second, the printer business looks like it
is heating up. I was particularly im¬
pressed by Mannesman-Taily’s model
160 printer, that firm’s first entry at the
low end. There were letter quality print¬
ers galore.

One product that excited me was the
Datamarc 3000 single sheet feeder which
costs about $1200, the least expensive I
have ever seen. The unit appeared reli¬
able and efficient, with features not
available on any feeder I have examined.
Finally, the number of software exhib¬
itors was staggering. The big software
attractions were the so-called “inte¬
grated” packages.

The biggest crowds were at software

exhibits. There were many very interest¬
ing products, but the crowds seemed to
converge on VisiCorp, MicroPro, and
Ashton-Tate. VisiCorp was demonstrat¬
ing both VisiWord and Visi-on, and the
presentation of the latter was well-done.
MicroPro was showing off InfoStar,
their new information management
package. dBasell was generating
tremendous interest at Ashton-Tate.
Lesser, but still significant, gatherings
could be seen at Lotus (1-2-3) and
Sorcim (SuperCalc, SuperWriter).

The interest in hardware seemed to
center on the IBM PC compatible por¬
table computers. Those booths were
crowded all the time.

When I got back, my boss asked me
for reactions. I was a little slow, so he
prompted me. Star of the show? I hesi¬
tated. Most significant product? Slow
again. Technological advances? At least
on that I had a quick no. That put me on
the spot, so I had to explain that I saw
very few things that pushed technology
or represented breakthroughs. That is
not to say that nothing was interesting,
or that nothing was learned, but the sim¬
ple fact is that nothing I saw made my
eyeballs pop out.

IBM at Comdex

IBM has a vigorous ISO program, so
they were at the show in force. (Sorry,
that’s redundant. If IBM is anywhere, it
is always in force.) The PC was not
particularly emphasized, although 20%
or so of the exhibit was devoted to it.
What was interesting was the software
they were showing.

Recently, IBM loaned some number
of schools IBM PCs with some educa¬
tional software. It was this software that
was on display, along with some

302

April 1983 ° Creative Computing

Model EP-2A-79

EPROM Programmer

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Apple
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STD-Bus
Atari
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Three years in the field with unsurpassed performance. Software is available for
the EP-2A-79 for most all of the microcomputers including the popular CP/M,
FLEX, HDOS operating systems. Write or call for specific hardware/software inter¬
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6502 and 2650 based systems.

EP-2A-79

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Personality Modules

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PM-3

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Phone (804) 973-5482

Blue Wood 127 Earlysville, VA 22936

MODULES FOR:

TIMEX-Sinclair

MnnPM 1Q 95 (RS-232 Port & Software

IVIUUCIVI I I 51. K | T i nc h

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modem

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WHY PAY MORE?

RS-232 PRINTER INTERFACE om y $59. 95 kit $69* v

CONTROL MODULE 8 Relays, 8 Inputs SSI). 95 KIT $69 * W&T

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THOUSANDS IN USE WITH PROVEN RELIABILITY. ALL MODULES IN STOCK.

CIRCLE 232 ON READER SERVICE CARO

CIRCLE 127 ON READER SERVICE CARD

DISK DRIVE WOES? __ ^^pat.*.,259,705

PRINTER INTERACTION?

MEMORY LOSS?

ERRATIC OPERATION? \n ist>1

Don’t

Blame The ^
Software! _

Power Line Spikes, Surges &

Hash could be the culprit! Floppies, printers,
memory & processor often interact! Our patented ISOLATORS
eliminate equipment interaction AND curb damaging Power Line
Spikes, Surges and Hash. MONEY BACK GUARANTEE!

• ISOLATOR (ISO-1) 3 filter isolated 3-prong sockets; integral

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any socket .$76.95

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sockets total); integral Spike/Surge Suppression; 1875 W Max
load, 1 KW either bank.$76.95

• SUPER ISOLATOR (ISO-3) similar to ISO-1 except double

isolation & Suppression $115.95

• SUPER ISOLATOR (ISO-11) similar to ISO-2 except double

isolation & Suppression $115.95

• MAGNUM ISOLATOR (ISO-17) 4 Quad isolated sockets; For

ULTRA SENSITIVE Systems .$200.95

• CIRCUIT BREAKER, any model (Add-CB).Add $10.00

• REMOTE SWITCH, any model (Add-RS) Add $18.00

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171 South Main Street, Box 389, Natick, Mass. 01760
(617) 655-1532

CIRCLE 163 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Rosenberg,
MS, CPA
President,
CPAids

CP/M and MP/M arc registered
trademarks of Digital Research
IBM PC, Victor and Apple arc
registered trademarks.

CPAids
Tax Planner

The microcomputer
software program that
minimizes tax liability
through year-round
planning.

• Abbreviated system to speed
data entry.

• Prints customized reports.

• User modifiable tax tables
and parameters.

• Computes Schedules G, 4625,
4972, 6251, tax tables, tax
schedules and sales tax tables.

• Tax tables are user definable-
permitting long range tax
planning options.

• Will run on most micro¬
computers including IBM PC,
Victor 9000 and Apple II.
Requires CP/M or MP/M, 48
Kb of user RAM, an 80 x 24
screen and an 80 column
printer.

• Only $300.

From the people who brought
you the Master Tax Program . . .

CP/llDS.

1061 Fraternity Circle Drive
Kent. Ohio 44240 (216) 678-9015

Call or write for literature
or the dealer nearest you.

CIRCLE 314 ON READER SERVICE CARD

IBM Images, continued...

mysterious-looking color display devices
(IBM does not offer a color display).
The whole thing was rather low-key.

While IBM may not have had the PC
in force, everybody else did. Without a
doubt, the PC was the most visible small
computer at the show. Usually it was re¬
quired to demonstrate PC compatible
software or hardware, but it was also be¬
ing used to demonstrate other products
in situations in which any computer
would have served.

What My Eyeball Saw

The 10% of my eyeball assigned to
cover the PC got overworked, to say the
least. I couldn’t begin to describe all the
products exhibited at the show, even if I
could devote this entire issue to the task.
The descriptions that follow are of some
of the products that seem more signifi¬
cant or interesting to me.

In general, the PC was most visible
demonstrating integrated software.
“Integrated” is the new, great buzzword
in the computer industry. It means that
a program is capable of performing mul¬
tiple kinds of work, and that it can do so
on the same data set. For the IBM PC, a
program called The MBA from Context
Management Systems was the first prod¬
uct in this category. It can perform
spreadsheet, database management, and
word processing functions and can inter¬
change data freely between its parts.
There is no question that integration is
necessary, but I think the jury is still out
on some of these packages.

The five companies mentioned above,
those attracting the crowds, were dem¬
onstrating their products on the IBM.

Local Area Networks

For a variety of reasons, I am in¬
terested in products that allow IBM Per¬
sonal Computers to be clustered into
small local area networks. I would also
love to review these products, but it is
hard to network the one computer in my
basement. Hmmm, maybe I could clus¬
ter with my Atari VCS...

Three products exhibited at Comdex,
and one that was announced there, have
attracted my interest.

The flashiest exhibitor in this category
was Novell Data Systems: the nature of
their product was evident just by looking
at the booth. Their ShareNet product al¬
lows connection of up to 24 computers
to a network processor built around the
Motorola 68000 processor. Data rates
are 300K to 500K baud per station,
which Novell translates into an ag¬
gregate of 12 megabits per second for the
network—a little optimistic in my opin¬
ion. The network nodes can be as far as
3000 feet from the network processor.
Up to five printers are controlled by the

print spooler, a function of the network
processor. Up to 120 megabytes of stor¬
age are supported. An electronic mail
package is available. Novell claims that
PC DOS, CP/M-86 and the p-System
are supported for the PC, and that other
computers (Apple, TRS-80, Display-
writer, CP/M and Unix systems) are
also supported.

There is one thing I like about
ShareNet and one thing I don’t like. The
good thing is that no local disk storage is
required in the network. This means that
the network nodes can be completely
diskless and do all their filing on the cen¬
tral disks. I’m impressed, too, because I
didn’t think this could be done without a
modification to the IBM ROM. The bad
thing is that the network topology is the
star, with the requirement that each PC
on the net has its own wire leading di¬
rectly to the network processor. One of
the points of local networks in my mind
is to have ring or hub topologies to re¬
duce the wiring cost, not to mention the
mess. If the network is small, say five or
six stations, this won’t matter much.

The Cadillac of network systems is
Plan 4000 from Nestar. Plan is a new
product, and takes Nestar from a strictly
Apple domain into the IBM world, al¬
though Apple and IBM computers can
be mixed on the same network. The
hardware is not compatible with
previous Nestar products, although
software should port. Nestar has im¬
plemented Arcnet, a token passing,
baseband network architecture pio¬
neered by DataPoint. They have fol¬
lowed the ISO (in this case,
International Standards Organization)
seven-layer model, using layers one and
two from Arcnet and layers three and
four from the Ethernet standard. The
aggregate transmission rate is 2.5 mega¬
bits per second, and up to 255 nodes can
be supported. Any two stations can be
up to four miles apart.

The network processor, called a file
server, is very sophisticated and power¬
ful. It supports up to 548Mb of storage,
but multiple file servers can be placed on
the same network for even greater
capacities. Streaming tape drives provide
system backup. The file server does not
provide printer spooling services, al¬
though Nestar may add the feature at a
later time. Instead, a dedicated PC on
the network provides the function and
becomes the print server. Other PCs can
be configured as gateway servers: mul¬
tiple Plan 4000 systems may be linked,
remote terminals may gain access, and
Nestar even offers a Telex server. Elec¬
tronic mail software is available.

The announced product is from
Davong Systems, and is an integration of
the Nestar Plan 4000 system into a small

scale network of from two to six PCs.
Unlike the Nestar product, which re¬
quires independent servers, one IBM PC
with a Davong hard disk would function
as the file server but also operate as a
work station. Multiple file servers would
also be allowed. The system will use the
Nestar Arcnet hardware and software as
the basis for the network. Davong plans
to offer the product for IBM, Apple II,
and III, and Osborne I, and will support
PC DOS, CP/M-86, and the p-System.

In an associated product announce¬
ment at Comdex, Davong introduced
their universal hard disk drive, with
capacities of 5, 10, or 15Mb, and both
streaming tape and cartridge disk
(SyQuest 306) backup subsystems. The
product allows the same disk hardware
to be used on IBM, Apple, or Osborne
systems with the appropriate interface
hardware, and allows expansion of the
disk subsystem to 60Mb, the kind of
capacity that might be required in a rel¬
atively small network. A dealer gains
flexibility in that only one disk sub¬
system need be stocked or serviced,
regardless of the target system. Even
though the universal drive is an external
device, Davong pricing continues to be
aggressive at $1995 for 5Mb, $2495 for
10, and $2995 for 15. The cartridge disk
can be added for $1495. Photo 1 shows
the universal disk.

I am sure that the Davong pricing for
the network system will be competitive,
in their tradition, but at the moment the
low cost network seems to be PCnet,
from Orchid Technology. The equip¬
ment and software required to add one
PC to the net costs $695, and Orchid of¬
fers a “starter kit,” for $1490 which in¬
cludes everything needed to get two PCs
networked. The network uses baseband

chase.

“Ladies and gentlemen. Due to an on -
board computer error, we have not landed
in Los Angeles international airport. We
expect to remedy the situation... ”

304

April 1983 0 Creative Computing

CHRISLIN YEARS AHEAD
MEMORY DESIGN

512KB SINGLE BOARD IBM MEMORY W/RS232-C PORT

• Addressable as a contiguous block in 64KB increments thru 1 megabyte.

• On board parity with interrupt on parity error.

SINGLE QTY. PRICE: $895.00 MEMDISK 1: $10.00

MEMDISK 1 Allows memory to emulate disks. Increases system performance!!

64KB SINGLE BOARD EXORCISOR
1,11, AND ROCKWELL
SYSTEMS 65 MEMORY

• Parity checker on board.

• Addressable as a contiguous block in 4K increments with
respect to VXA or VUA.

• Pin to Pin compatibility.

SINGLE QTY. PRICE: $390.00

512KB SINGLE BOARD
MULTIBUS MEMORY

• Pin to Pin MULTIBUS compatibility for both 8 bit and 16
bit systems.

• On board parity with selectable interrupt on parity
ERROR.

• Addressable as a contiguous block in 16K word
increments up to 16 megabytes.

SINGLE QTY. PRICE: $1395.00

64KB SINGLE BOARD
S100 MEMORY

• Addressable as a contiguous block in 4K word
increments.

• Battery back-up capability.

• Functions with on-board refresh.

SINGLE QTY. PRICE: $390.00

DON’T ASK WHY WE CHARGE SO

256KB SINGLE BOARD
LSI 11 MEMORY

• On board parity generator checker.

• Addressable as a contiguous block in 4K word
increments through 4 megabytes.

• Battery back-up mode.

SINGLE QTY. PRICE: 128K x 18 $795.00

32K x 18 $390.00

E, ASK WHY THEY CHARGE SO MUCH.

Chrislin Industries, Inc.

31352 Via Colinas • Westlake Village, CA 91362 • 213-991-2254
TWX 910-494-1253 (CHRISLIN WKVG)

Multibus is a trademark of the Intal Corp. LSI II is a trademark of Digital Equipment Corp. EXORciseF is a trademark of Motorola.

CIRCLE 134 ON READER SERVICE CARD

IBM Images, continued...

technology and offers a data transfer
rate of 1 megabit per second.

The primary advantage of this prod¬
uct is that it supports hard disks from
many vendors, and can thus be added
even after a hard disk decision has been
made. Orchid is not (yet?) a disk sup¬
plier, so they are probably a little more
flexible. The software allows any PC to
become a “resource server” and function

Photo 1.

as a work station at the same time. Elec¬
tronic mail and print spooler software is
available.

I have no specific recommendation to
make about these products, particularly
because I have much yet to learn. How¬
ever, it looks like Nestar has the most
sophisticated product, a statement sup¬
ported by Davong’s selection of Plan
4000 for their own product. It might
even be possible to inter-connect Nestar
and Davong networks, an interesting
and potentially useful concept.

Communications Products

A number of new communications
products made their debut at Comdex.
The most interesting was the Pro¬
fessional Communication System (PCS)
from Microcom, a hardware device from
a company previously known only for its
software. The PCS 1200 and PCS 300,
operating at 1200 and 300 baud respec¬
tively, are complete communications
systems in a box controlled by a 2.5MHz
Z80 processor. The device can include
16K or 64K of memory which can be
used in various combinations to receive
data, transmit data, or manage a print
spooler buffer. Two RS-232 ports allow
connection of a computer and a printer,
for example, at the same time. The local
interfaces operate at up to 9600 baud
and support the XON/XOFF protocol.
Telephone connection is made via modu¬
lar phone jack.

The PCS supports auto-dial and auto¬
answer, tone or pulse dialing, half or full
duplex operation, and a loop back test.
A clock/calendar with a display is inte¬
grated into the unit, although I do not

know whether the time and date can be
accessed by the system. A NiCad battery
provides 30 days of protection in case of
power failure; the system normally re¬
quires house current (105 to 127 VAC).
When the PCS is used in conjunction
with another PCS modem or a computer
running Microcom’s Micro-Courier soft¬
ware, an error detection and correction
protocol embedded in the PCS firmware
provides error-free transmission. The de¬
vice, pictured in Photo 2, is capable of
handling communications chores by it¬
self, without host control.

The reason I call your attention to this
product is its great functionality, its abil¬
ity to transmit both text and binary data,
and its ability to operate a serial printer
without adding a second asynchronous
adapter to the IBM PC. A PCS 300
costs $595 with 16K RAM, $695 with
64K. The PCS 1200 prices are $995 and
$1095, respectively.

A quick aside: I have been using the
Hayes Smartmodem for about a year
and it’s great. The Microcom PCS seems
like a “souped-up” Smartmodem, but it
may also have greater complexity. The
thing that makes the Hayes product so
terrific is simplicity.

Photo 2.

There are several new products in the
IBM 3270-compatible area. IBM an¬
nounced such a product several months
ago, but the third-party competition
seems fierce. Given the huge number of
3270 terminal systems installed, it is not
surprising. The general idea behind these
products is the use of the IBM PC as a
3270 terminal. The two problems that
have to be solved are the terminal
emulation and the network connection.

I hope to try some of these products
someday, but of course I don’t have an
IBM mainframe with 3270s in my base¬
ment. I won’t attempt to pass judgment,
but I note in passing from my reading of
all the materials supplied by the vendors
that the product from TAC seems the
most straightforward. Careful: that’s not
a recommendation, only an observation.

IRMA is the Technical Analysis
Corporation (TAC) product. It includes
emulation software and a hardware de¬
vice that allows the PC to be connected

directly to most 3270 controllers. It
costs $1195. AST Research, in conjunc¬
tion with Communications Solutions,
Inc., offers a 3270 SNA/SDLC interface
for the IBM. The product allows a PC to
emulate a 3274 cluster controller, and
allows additional terminals or PCs to be
supported by the emulating PC.

Persyst offers a slightly different prod¬
uct called the DCP/88 Distributed
Communications Processor. The board
has its own 8088 processor and up to
64K of memory. It supports two or four
RS-232 ports in asynchronous or syn¬
chronous mode. IBM bisync, SDLC and
HDLC are supported in synchronous
mode. An optional printer interface, ei¬
ther Data Products or Centronics
compatible, allows connection of print¬
ers with speeds up to 600 lines per
minute. This sounds like a board to meet
some pretty demanding communications
requirements, but at the moment Persyst
provides only an IBM bisync driver.

I’ll include one other product in this
category, although it is not strictly a
communications device. It is called The
Encryptor, from Jones Futurex, Inc. The
device is available for the IBM PC, Ap¬
ples, and S-100 systems. It uses the Na¬
tional Bureau of Standards’ Data
Encryption Standard (DES) to provide
encryption and decryption functions.
The press information was hard to make
out, and I couldn’t find the company on
the floor at the show, but I deduce that
the device is used under software control
(software provided for PC DOS and
CP/M-86) to encode a data file you wish
to protect. The file can be protected lo¬
cally, or transmitted to another com¬
puter for decryption. The hardware uses
the Western Digital VLSI device, and
the board is quite small. It will be in¬
teresting to learn whether the PC DOS
version of the software insures that the
clear version of the file on disk is ac¬
tually erased: during a file transfer, the
original file is left untouched, and dele¬
tion only causes the entry to be removed
from the directory, not erased. For local
protection, erasure would be essential.

Old Favorites

The coming of an IBM version of
Multi-Plan from Microsoft, sold through
IBM, no doubt provided some motiva¬
tion to Sorcim and VisiCorp to upgrade
their spreadsheet products. In addition,
both companies introduced word
processing products, while the expected
announcement of Multi-Word from
Microsoft did not materialize.

Sorcim introduced SuperCalc 2 , an ad¬
vanced version of their successful
spreadsheet offering. Frankly, I always
thought SuperCalc was richer than
VisiCalc , but Sorcim lists a long list of

306

April 1983 ° Creative Computing

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IBM Images, continued...

features that are new, of which the most
significant are consolidation and sorting.
I think a particularly important feature
is the fact that SuperCalc still operates in
64K of RAM on the PC, although I
imagine the workspace has shrunk a
little bit.

Advanced VisiCalc , introduced for the
Apple III quite a while ago, is now also
available for the IBM and DEC Personal
Computers. The significant features here
are variable column widths, online help,
and consolidation. The program requires
128K of memory.

As for word processing, Sorcim in¬
troduced SuperWriter, while VisiCorp
introduced Visi-Word. Lacking detailed
information on both, I’ll restrict my
comments by saying only that both at¬
tempt to be user-friendly and both tout
the support they provide for data inter¬
change with their respective “calc”
products.

Integrated Software Products

I wanted to spend some time with
Context looking at the MBA, but either
they weren’t there or I didn’t see them.
Startup Lotus Development Corporation
was there with a subdued but elegant
booth and expensive-looking marketing
materials. Their 1-2-3 package combines
spreadsheet, graphic display, and
information management functions in
one program. Spreadsheet data can be
quickly graphed (the color board is re¬
quired for this) and data from the
information manager can be integrated
into spreadsheets. Each database can
hold up to 2000 records, and a number
of functions can be applied to select and
sort the data records. Histograms can be
developed from the data, and statistics
(e.g. counts, sums, averages, variance,
deviation) can be taken.

The Lotus literature sells the integra¬
tion very hard, but it also sells two other

“/ don *t like the looks of this guy.

things. The first is the spreadsheet por¬
tion itself, which Lotus claims is “the
most comprehensive.” The feature list
seems to match those of Advanced
VisiCalc, SuperCalc 2 , and Multi-Plan,
however, so that claim may be exag¬
gerated. The second point is speed,
emphasized over and over again in the
literature. My observation at Comdex
bears this out, but until I have tried it
with large models or extensive data files,
judgment will be withheld.

What impresses me most about Lotus,
for the moment anyway, is the people.
President Mitchell Kapor is the author
of VisiTrend and VisiPlot, the sale of
which netted a record of $1.2 million
seed money for Lotus. Vern Raburn is
the executive VP and general manager,
and comes from a successful stint as a
VP at Microsoft. Chris Morgan, vice-
president in charge of communications,
was previously editor-in-chief of Byte
magazine. Not only that, but no less an
industry guru than Ben Rosen, through
Sevin-Rosen Investors, Ltd., is a prin¬
cipal investor and a director of Lotus. I
just can’t remember seeing a collection
quite like that before.

I’ll put two other products in the inte¬
grated category, even though they have
the “visi-” kind of integration as op¬
posed to Context or Lotus. The first is a
set of programs from Perfect Software:
Perfect Writer, Speller, Filer, and (can
you guess?) Calc. The programs are ad¬
vertised to have the same command lan¬
guage, and to allow easy interchange of
data between modules. Perfect Software
made a big splash by giving out free
copies of their software at Comdex, with
a retail value of $10 million, according
to them. One was shoved (literally) into
my hands, but unfortunately it turned
out to be in 8" CP/M format. I’m on
their list.

The other company is a new one,
founded by Bruce McLoughlin (chair¬
man) and Jim Edlin (president). Co¬
incidentally, the company is named
Bruce & James Program Publishers, Inc.
The first product is Word Vision, an IBM
PC program that sells for $49.95. Break¬
ing a long-standing tradition in the mar¬
ket, B & J software will name products
with a suffix, “vision.” Look for
Fact Vision, File Vision, List Vision, Math,
Chart, Draw, Calc, Boss (?!?), Talk (I
thought sure this would be Tele), and
Desk Vision.

Kidding aside, the concept is interest¬
ing. As Jim put it, “We’re going to get
high quality software into users’ hands
on the installment plan.” That explains
the rock-bottom price. Bruce & James
will sell “powerpacks” as add-ons to the
basic program; in the case of WordVision,
there will be a spelling program, the¬

saurus, style checker, letter writing aids,
authors aids (footnotes and indexing,
for example), and others. It appears that
the user can buy what he needs while
ignoring features and functions which
aren’t useful. Time will tell.

Odds and Ends

A few products also deserve mention,
but don’t fit in any of the categories
mentioned above.

I want to mention Tecmar for two
reasons. First, they have the SyQuest
cartridge disk in a version that installs in
the IBM system unit. $1795 gets you the
disk, controller, and cartridge. The drive
is also offered as part of their expansion
chassis in a variety of configurations.
That’s the second reason for mentioning
Tecmar. By Comdex, Tecmar had
broadened their line of IBM PC prod¬
ucts to 66, truly an incredible number.

What is important to note, however, is
that Tecmar has products that nobody
else seems to want to fool with. One ven¬
dor was telling me how a customer had
asked for a communications adapter that
would handle 16 asynchronous ports;
the vendor directed the customer to
Tecmar, because he figured if anybody
had one, they would. (It turns out that
they don’t.) Tecmar is the only name in
town for an expansion chassis, and they
have the most complete line of equip¬
ment for scientific, industrial, and lab¬
oratory use.

Taurus Software announced CP-j -, a
command language processor for
CP/M, and in particular, for CP/M-86.
Actually, the product is more a visual
shell, providing a menu-driven way to
perform most system functions without
having to remember specific or complex
command sequences. The Taurus exam¬
ple, and my favorite example too, is

A>p i p B:FILENAME.TXT=

A:FILENAME.TXT

which is pure junk. CP-h allows the
same function (copying a file from one
disk drive to the other) to be accom¬
plished by answering a series of ques¬
tions YES or NO, and by using the
cursor to point to file names. The pro¬
gram is scheduled for IBM DOS too, but
don’t hold your breath. If everything
said about the next version of MS-DOS
comes to pass, the visual shell will be an
integral part of the operating
environment.

The Sorbus Service Division of MAI
now offers both on-site and carry-in re¬
pair service for IBM Personal Comput¬
ers. They will also service configurations
of the machine that include non-IBM
hardware. Sorbus does not require a
contract for over-the-counter service,
billing on an incident basis, but offers

308

April 1983 € Creative Computing

competitive contract agreements for
regular service. Sorbus has been servic¬
ing IBM mainframes for the past ten
years, and has an established network of
160 service locations nationwide.

The last thing on my list is Metafile.
Perhaps I should have talked about this
product in the integrated software sec¬
tion, but the product is really an inte¬
grated software development tool. The
brochure describes how Metafile goes
beyond packages, beyond database,
beyond prompting, beyond word
processing.

The product is “a comprehensive sys¬
tem of facilities needed to handle diverse

information,” according to the press kit.
The program can be used to prepare re¬
ports, menus, documents, data entry
forms, letters, spreadsheets, and
procedures. Data can be merged with
text for reports or mailing lists.
Spreadsheets can be linked to data files
or other spreadsheets. Applications,
from simple to complex, can be
developed.

I don’t really know how to describe
the product, but I understand it quite
well. In simple terms, I would call it a
programming language, except that it is
a total environment, not just a language.

It is enormously powerful. What I

can’t decide, without some further in¬
vestigation, is if the product is suitable
only for software developers or if users
can build applications with it. If the lat¬
ter is the case, Metafile is a hot property.

You will see more from me on just
about everything mentioned in this col¬
umn. I hope the brief descriptions are of
some value to you, and I encourage you
to consider carefully your own require¬
ments and examine these products in de¬
tail before making a buying decision.
Good luck.

Next month, a tutorial on Basic pro¬
gram development tools, and the Basic
to BIOS connection. □

Firms mentioned in this column:

Perfect Software, Inc.

Communications Solutions, Inc.

1400 Shattuck Ave.

992 S. Saratoga-Sunnyvale Rd.

SyQuest Technology

Berkeley, CA 94709

San Jose, CA 95129

47923 Warm Springs Blvd.

(415) 644-3644

(408) 725-1568

Fremont, CA 94538
(415) 490-7511

Taurus Software

AST Research, Inc.

870 Market St.

Suite 104

Nestar Systems, Incorporated

Suite 815

2691 Richter Ave.

2585 East Bayshore Rd.

San Francisco, CA 94102

Irvine, CA 92714

Palo Alto, CA 94303

(415) 788-0888

(714) 540-1333

(415) 493-2233

Tecmar

Technical Analysis Corporation

Davong Systems, Inc.

Personal Computer Products Division

120 West Wieuca Rd., N.E.

610 Palomar Ave.

23600 Mercantile Rd.

Atlanta, GA 30042

Sunnyvale, CA 94086

Cleveland, OH 44122

(800) 241-IRMA

(408) 773-8370 or (800) 336-8600

(216) 464-7410

(404) 252-1045

(new address)

Lotus Development Corporation

Mannesmann Tally

Novell Data Systems, Inc.

55 Wheeler St.

8301 South 180th St.

1170 N. Industrial Park Dr.

Cambridge, MA 02138

Kent, WA 98031

Orem, UT 84057

(617) 492-7171

(206) 251-5552

(800) 453-1267

Orchid Technology

VisiCorp

MicroPro International Corporation

101 Lucas Valley Rd.

3428 Superior Park Dr.

2895 Zanker Rd.

San Rafael, CA 94903

Cleveland Heights, OH 44118

San Jose, CA 95134

(415) 499-9420

(216) 371-4683

(408) 946-9000

Ashton-Tate

1084 Hillview Dr.

Sorcim Corporation

9929 West Jefferson Blvd.

Milpitas, CA 95035

2310 Lundy Ave.

Culver City, CA 90230

(408) 942-8660

San Jose, CA 95131

(213) 204-5570

Metafile

(408) 942-1727

Microsoft Corporation

Sensor-based Systems

Microcom, Inc.

10700 Northup Way

Olmsted Federal Building

1400A Providence Highway

Bellevue, WA 98004

Chatfield, MN 55923

Norwood, MA 02062

(206) 828-8080

(507) 867-4440

(617) 762-9310

Sorbus Service Division

Jones Futurex, Inc.

Hayes Microcomputer Products

5835 Peachtree Corners East

Management Assistance Inc.

9700 Fair Oaks Blvd.

Norcross, GA 30092

50 East Swedesford Rd.

Suite G

(404) 449-8791

Frazer, PA 19355

Fair Oaks, CA 95628

(215) 296-6000

(916) 966-6836

Context Management Systems

Bruce & James Program Publishers, Inc.

Persyst

23864 Hawthorne Blvd.

Suite 101

4500 Tuller Rd.

15801 Rockfield Blvd.

Torrance, CA 90505

Dublin, OH 43017

Suite A

(213) 378-8277

(614) 766-0110

Irvine, CA 92714

CompuServe 71435,1040

(714) 859-8871

April 1983 ® Creative Computing

309

Ips-SO strings

At the half-century mark, the fiftieth
TRS-80 column contains only two items.
The first is about telephones, modems,
Videotex and information services; the
second involves a programmable charac¬
ter generator.

Telephones

At the end of the March 1982 column
appeared what had been quoted to me as
Launegayer’s Maxim, “All the world’s
an analog stage, and digital circuits play
only bit parts.” That’s part joke, part
truth. The natural world around us is
entirely analog, including our voices,
which create complex sinewave patterns
that travel through the air as we speak.

The standard telephone is also an an¬
alog instrument, transmitting our voices
as fluctuating electrical currents over
wire. Although the telephone reproduces
our voices fairly well, it is useless for
transmitting high-speed digital signals
accurately.

Why transmit digital signals over a
telephone? If you have no intention of
ever connecting your TRS-80 to the out¬
side world, you can skip the next bunch
of paragraphs. But if you want to sub¬
scribe to information services such as
CompuServe, or communicate with
other computers by sending and receiv¬
ing data and programs, then you’ll need
to connect your TRS-80 to a telephone.

If you have ever heard music over the
telephone, you know how “tinny” it
sounds. Telephone circuits are designed
to carry signals within the frequency
range of the speaking voice, which is a
fairly small range, from 300 to 3300 Hz.
If music is transmitted over a standard
telephone line, the highs and lows are
attenuated, but you can usually still
make out what is being played, because
there is still enough content left to make
the tune recognizable.

But if some bits are dropped from a
digital signal that consists only of a
string of ones and zeroes, what is left has

Stephen B. Gray

no relation to the original. And that’s
why modems were bom.

Modems

The word modem is short for
modulator/demodulator, which means
simply that it is a device that takes a dig¬
ital signal, converts the electronic im¬
pulses into tones that can be sent over a
standard telephone line, then translates
the tones back into a digital signal at the
receiving end.

Radio Shack has several modems. To
use the $199 Telephone Interface II,
which has an acoustic coupler, you dial
the desired phone number, then place
the handset of your telephone into the
pair of rubber cups on top of the
modem.

If your telephone is one of the modu¬
lar types, plugged into the wall via a
small plug about half an inch long, you
can use either the $149 Direct-Connect
Modem I, or the $249 Direct-Connect
Modem II.

Modem I will handle most of your
needs for letting your TRS-80 talk with
other computers over the phone lines.
Modem II (Figure 1) has Auto-Dial and

Figure 1. Radio Shack's Modem II con¬
tains a microprocessor and has many
more features than Modem I, which has
only one switch and two lights.

Auto-Answer features, meaning it can
automatically dial and answer the
phone, receive and transmit data, and
even hang up the phone. With a Modem
II, you can connect to an unattached re¬
mote computer (which has to have been
turned on, of course), and obtain data or
programs from it.

There is one more thing you need,
along with a modem, for connecting to a
distant computer via the telephone lines:
software to turn your TRS-80 into a
two-way information terminal.

If you don’t happen to have a TRS-80,
you can buy Radio Shack’s $399 TRS-80
Videotex Terminal, which is a variation
on the Color Computer, with built-in
terminal software and a telephone inter¬
face. Or you can get the $995 PT-210
Portable Data Terminal, which has a
full keyboard, thermal printer, and
acoustic coupler.

TRS-80 Videotex

If you already have a TRS-80 Model
I, II or III, Color Computer, or even an
Apple II or 11 +, Radio Shack has a
$29.95 Videotex package that “allows
access to major information databases
using your computer and an optional-
extra telephone interface,” as the catalog
puts it. Each package includes a cassette
program in machine language that turns
your TRS-80 into a smart terminal, a
Videotex manual, CompuServe manual,
ID number and password, and a Dow
Jones manual and password. You get
one free hour on each network. After
that, the catalog notes, “you’ll be billed
at their low hourly rates.”

The TRS-80 Videotex/Model I/III
package has a very brief Videotex man¬
ual that says you’ll need a telephone,
TRS-80, RS-232C interface and connect¬
ing cable, modem, and cassette recorder.

First you connect all the hardware to¬
gether. For Modem I, this consists of
connecting the modem in parallel with
your telephone, and the modem to the
RS-232C cable.

310

April 1983 0 Creative Computing

The expanding horizon of office and home use of
new communications and data services tying smart
terminals into networks through telecommunications
links makes the world need a high speed terminal
program.

Busy computers shouldn’t have to wait for data simply
because an old fashioned link can’t handle today
and tomorrow’s telecommunications. Slow terminal
telecommunications can stand the smart operator’s
world on its ear.

Into today’s fast paced world, Micro Systems Software
presents MicroTerm, the first truly high speed terminal
for this inquisitive world. Some computers can run
at up to 4800 baud null-free (9600 in some direct-
connect applications).

MicroTerm enables you to do more in less time, in
both ASCII and the new “error-free” direct file mode.
Its unique Macro-Key function allows you to have
10 user-defined keys that transmit up to 64 characters
at a single stroke. You can even dial a phone number
and transmit the buffer at a specified time com¬
pletely unattended by the operator.

And while MicroTerm improves your computer’s
“ears" by outperforming any other telecommunica¬

tions terminal program, its low price won’t take a bite
from your bit budget. It’s only $79.95 retail.

You can’t lose with MicroTerm’s features, performance,
price, documentation, or support.

It’s the only terminal program enabling you to continue
operations in the command mode while receiving
additional data through the RS232 cable. And you
can adjust video width, turn on the printer, open the
buffer and do many other things and then return to
the terminal mode without missing a thing.

Available for the TRS-80 Models I, II, III, 16, IBM PC,
Zenith Z-100, and Apple II computers.

If these advantages are what you want in your world,
communicate with your nearest MicroTerm dealer.
For information contact: Micro Systems Software,
Inc., 4301-18 Oak Circle, Boca Raton, Florida 33431,
Telephone Toll Free: 1-800-327-8724
In Florida (305) 983-3390

MICRO-SYSTEMS SOFTWARE, INC .

4301-18 Oak Circle, Boca Raton, Florida 33431, Telephone: 1-800-327-8724

In Florida (305) 983-3390

CIRCLE 220 ON READER SERVICE CARD

TRS-80 Strings, continued...

Then you load the Vidtex program
from tape. Using your telephone, you
dial, for example, the local CompuServe
number. When you hear the carrier tone,
you flip the Mode switch on the modem
from OFF to ORIGinate, and hang up
the phone.

You soon get a display that asks for
your

User ID:

and you enter the CompuServe user
identification number provided in the
Videotex package. Next the display re¬
quests your

Passwo r d:

which is also provided in the package.
But nothing shows on the screen as you
key in your secret password. As the
CompuServe instructions note, “For se¬
curity purposes, your password is a non¬
printing entry.”

CompuServe

Once you give the correct user ID and
password, the host computer congratu-

COMPUSERVE INFORMATION SERVICE

1 HOME SERVICES

2 BUSINESS & FINANCIAL

3 PERSONAL COMPUTING

4 SERVICES FOR PROFESSIONALS

5 USER INFORMATION

6 INDEX

7 USER SURVEY

ENTER YOUR SELECTION NUMBER,
OR H FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Figure 2.

lates you for selecting CompuServe. Sev¬
eral other messages follow, including
information on how to sign up for
continued use of CompuServe (which is
part of H&R Block Inc.) after your free
hour has been used up, and a brief listing
of “What’s new” on the service. Once all
• that is over, you get a display of the date
and time and the screen appears as in
Figure 2.

If you enter 3, for example, you get
another menu, with these selections:
news, reference, communications, shop
at home, groups and clubs, and pro¬
grammer’s area. Select the first item,
and another menu pops up, asking if you
want to look at one of five newsletters
(Atari, RCA, Tandy, Microsoft, Com¬
modore), the Micro Advisor, etc.

Select the Tandy newsletter, and you
get a menu with entries such as Model
I/III, Model II, Color Computer,
Peripherals, Education, etc. Select that
first item, and you get a menu with five
choices as shown in Figure 3.

Ask for item 5, and you get a sixth
menu, asking for which of several weeks

you want the “new products received”
information. Now you’re getting down
to brass tacks, after half a dozen menus
and several feet of printer paper (if
you’ve connected your printer to the
hookup). So you pick one of the weeks,
and you get the display shown in Figure
4.

All that work for two product names.

But cheer up, there is all sorts of other
information available, much of it in as
much detail as you could want. At any
time, you can key in M to get back to the
previous menu, and branch out from
there, or you can go directly to any
menu on the CompuServe list, which in¬
cludes several hundred subjects, such as
Washington Post, Eliza program, trivia
test, names of users, sports news, live¬
stock prices, movie reviews, and many
more, including languages such as Pas¬
cal and APL.

To go directly to the Pan Am menu,
enter

GO PAN

RECEIVED WEEK OF 10/18/82

THE FOLLOWING WERE RECEIVED
THIS WK AND ARE BEING SHIPPED TO
RADIO SHACK WAREHOUSES. ASK YOUR
RADIO SHACK DEALER FOR DETAILS
ON AVAILABILITY.

26-1951 MODEL III ZORK
26-2517 HMRSJTHE BEATLES

Figure 4.

and you’re offered an index to countries,
disease-infected areas, Department of
State travel advisories, etc. Thus you’d
be told to have your reservations con¬
firmed well in advance if planning to
visit Bahrain, because of several con¬
ferences being held there in the near
future.

CB Radio Simulation

One of the most fascinating items on
the CompuServe index is CB Radio

Simulation. Ask for that, and you get a
choice of tuning in on a “channel” or
offering to “talk” one-on-one with
anybody.

The display tells you there are, for
example, four channels in use at the mo¬
ment, with 13 users on channel 19 and
five on channel 1. Select a channel, and
you get into what I found to be the most
boring conversations I have ever listened
in on.

For example, you get yawners such as
“how’s things in Jersey City?” or “No¬
body loves a lizard” or “I used to work
in Forest Hills” or “Ohio State 45
Michigan 0.” At $5 an hour, it’s cheaper
than a telephone call, but even less in¬
teresting than the average conference
call. (That’s $5 an hour evenings, week¬
ends and holidays; $22.50 an hour at
other times.)

So I said I would talk to anybody, and
soon found myself chatting with a San
Diego bank accountant, then a Xerox
chemist in Rochester (who just happens

1 NEWS AND REFERENCE RESOURCES

2 BUSINESS/FINANCIAL MARKETS

3 CATALOGUE SHOPPING
<1 HOME AND LEISURE

5 EDUCATION AND CAREER

6 MAIL AND COMMUNICATIONS

7 CREATING AND COMPUTING

8 SQURCE*PLUS

Figure 5.

to read this column), and later a com¬
puter science student at the University
of Texas in Austin. For me, this was the
most interesting item in the CompuServe
index.

Dow Jones

The Radio Shack Videotex package
also includes “one hour of free introduc¬
tory usage time in non-prime hours” on
the Dow Jones Information Services.
You can get financial news on a specific
company, recent headlines on that com¬
pany, current and historical stock
quotes, detailed statistics, headlines of
an industry, quotes on bonds, mutual
funds or U.S. Treasury bonds and notes,
etc.

The Source

To check out another information ser¬
vice, I got some free time on The Source,
which turned out to be, for me, not as
interesting or as easy to use as
CompuServe.

For one thing, you can’t offer to chat
with just anybody; you must “enter the

312

April 1983 c Creative Computing

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CIRCLE 216 ON READER SERVICE CARD

TRS-80 Strings, continued...

CHAT command followed by the ac¬
count number of the person you wish to
converse with.” How can you tell
whether he is on the system? Make a
phone call and then switch to The
Source?

Many users speak well of The Source,
though, including some hotshot
subscribers who write programs that an¬
alyze financial data, using information
from the service’s databases.

The Source (a service of Source
Telecomputing Corp., owned by The
Reader’s Digest), offers “1,200 informa¬
tion and communication services.” The
main menu reads as in Figure 5.

The Source is $7.75 an hour (for 300-
baud service) evenings, weekends, and
holidays, $5.75 an hour from midnight
to 7 a.m. daily, and $20.75 weekdays
from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Source was described to me by
another brief user as being not user-
friendly, and I also found various prob¬
lems. For example, when I selected the
menu item, Micro News & Services, the
response was “Sorry, temporarily under
construction. Please check back later.”
And then I couldn’t get back to the pre¬
vious menu, no matter what I did. When
I asked for help to get advice, I got in¬
stead, “Sorry, no help available at this
time.” I had to sign off and then sign
back on to get out of that construction
pit.

It took me a long time to figure out
how to get into French Exercises, which
asked for the word for “French” and
when I replied “francais,” insisted the
correct word was “francaise.”

Among the hundreds of Source ser¬
vices, I enjoyed the French Exercises
(despite that little problem) and the New
York Restaurant Guide. But when I
tried to use the Calculator service, I was
told “The CALC program is not ready
for use yet. Get out your abacus!” So
why was it on the menu? Then I tried IQ
Test, which displayed the numbers 1
though 15 in a triangle arrangement,
then said

INPUT BLANK START
which I never did figure out, and thus
got a very low IQ rating. At which point
I entered
BYE

and was disconnected.

80-Grafix III

One of the TRS-80 add-in high-
resolution graphics boards mentioned
previously is the Grafyx Solution ,(Oct.
1982, p. 286, and Jan. 1983, p. 332),
from Micro-Labs.

Micro-Labs introduced 80-Grafix for
the Model I in mid-1980 and now has a
Model III version for creating game fig¬
ures, symbols, alternate character sets,

Figure 6. The 80-Grafix board connects
to the main TRS-80 computerboard with
six micro-clips, which hook onto IC pins,
without requiring any soldering.

etc. Whereas Grafyx Solution provides
the extra memory (12K bytes) for hi-res
graphics, in which each point in a Model
III 512-by-192-pixel display can be ad¬
dressed individually, 80-Grafix is a pro¬
grammable character generator with 2K
bytes of RAM memory for storing up to
128 characters. This memory is bank-
selected, so it doesn’t use any of the
TRS-80 memory or addressing space.

You can’t install both Grafyx Solution
and 80-Grafix in the same computer, be¬
cause “they physically mount in the
same location on the main computer
board,” according to a letter from
Micro-Labs, which adds, “It would be
possible to design a combined board but
so far there has not been a significant de¬
mand for such a board.”

Installing 80-Grafix

The 80-Grafix board is installed in
much the same manner as the Grafyx
Solution. The method for the Model III
will be described here.

You open the Model III case (thus
voiding the Radio Shack 90-day war¬
ranty), remove three ICs and plug them

Figure 7. Screen display for the graphics
editor, which can be used to change the
shape of the stored K, or change it to
some other character.

into the 80-Grafix board. Then cut one
pin of another IC, bend it up, and cut
two traces on the TRS-80 computer
board.

Install the 80-Grafix board and then
fasten the six micro-clips (Figure 6) to
the designated IC pins. At this point you
can check out your work with the
GTEST program, which verifies the
memory locations of the new board. If
they all check out, you next make a
hacksaw cut in the previously removed
metal RF shield, and bend part of it
back so it doesn’t touch the new board
when reinstalled.

Operation of 80-Grafix

There are three basic modes of opera¬
tion for 80-Grafix:

• Normal Display, in which standard
TRS-80 characters are displayed as if 80-
Grafix were not installed;

• Hi-Res, in which the programmed
80-Grafix characters are displayed in
place of the normal graphics and Japa¬
nese or special characters; and

• Program/Read Mode, in which data
can be read from, or written to, the 80-
Grafix memory to create hi-res charac¬
ters using 8 x 12 dot matrixes (Model I:
6 x 12 matrixes)—up to 128 of them.

Characters are created by translating
the bit patterns of each horizontal line in
the matrix into its decimal equivalent,
and then putting the set of decimal “line
values” into a data statement in a sup¬
plied program.

For example, the line at the top of the
letter K in Figure 7 has the bit pattern

01000010
which translates to

0+64+0+0+0+0+2+0
or 66. The next line down in K has a
decimal value of 68, and the third line,
72. The fourth line is 64 + 32+16, or
112. The bottom three lines repeat the
top three, in reverse order.

Thus the data line for generating a K
is

DATA 66,68,72,1 12,72,68,66

which is POKEd into the 80-Grafix mem¬
ory, from which it can be recalled to the
screen when and where desired.

This is how you enter the data directly
from a sketch of a character. Actually
Figure 7 is a display of the graphics edi¬
tor, which can be used to draw charac¬
ters directly, in Etch-A-Sketch fashion
(using the arrow keys and the enlarged
grid shown in the figure), or to edit
characters created either by the program
described or by the editor itself.

The display shows how the new
character looks in normal size, as you
create or change it, and also displays the
first 100 characters of the user’s graphic
set, arranged in two groups of 50 charac-

314

April 1983 ° Creative Computing

Figure 8. Grafix-80 can create larger im¬
ages by combining characters , such as
these two sketches that encompass 50
character locations each.

ters, with five rows of ten each. “This
arrangement,” the manual says, “is use¬
ful for creating a large image which
combines a number of characters as one
image,” as in Figure 8.

Among the many types of characters
you can create are various patterns for
graphs. Figure 9 shows how different
types of shading can be used quite effec¬
tively in a bar graph.

Moving Graphics

An object can be made to appear to
move horizontally across the screen,
when actually only the bit pattern is

shifted across several dot-matrix charac¬
ter “cells.” You can write a subprogram
for eight pairs of cells, in which an ar¬
row, for example, shifts one column at a
time to the left or right in each
successive pair.

Then you display each pair of cells at
the same screen location, in order, until
all eight pairs have been displayed. You
use the next screen position in the same
fashion, until the object has “moved”
across the entire season.

The same technique can be used to
move objects in any direction on the
screen. Incidentally, software that uses

Figure 9. By using 80-Grafix to create
various shadings for the bars , distinctive
bar graphs can be drawn with a mini¬
mum of effort.

the normal graphics is not affected, be¬
cause the hi-res graphics are disabled
whenever the reset button is pressed.

Grafix-80 Programs

Along with a 49-page manual, Grafix-
80 comes with 20 support programs (on
disk or cassette tape), with which
characters can be created in Basic or ma¬
chine language, and displayed with a
print or poke statement. Five of the
programs are demos, showing what
Grafix-80 can do (create characters,
move graphics, create a game, etc.), nine
are utilities (hi-res graphics editor, mem¬
ory check, load a character from disk or
tape, convert hi-res files to ASCII files
for merging with any Basic program),
and six provide various character sets
(duplicate of the normal graphics
characters, inverse video of the alternate
character set, etc.).

80-Grafix is $169.95 at selected deal¬
ers or from Micro-Labs, Inc. (902
Pinecrest Dr., Richardson, TX 75080),
postage-paid; specify disk or tape and
Model I or III. The manual is available
separately for $15. Several programs are
available for use with 80-Grafix, such as
Space Colony (a machine language
game), Character Sets (provides some
predefined character sets), GPRINT (for
printouts), and Gamesl (four games). □

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April 1983 c Creative Computing

315

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ELIZA IS AVAILABLE IN THE FOLLOWING DISK FORMATS:

1 Standard 8 inch single density for all CP/M based computers
$25 for ELIZA COM - add $20 for Microsoft BAS 1C-80 Source

2. 5V« inch CPM tor Apple II equipped with Z-80 SottCard

$25 for EL1ZA.COM - add $20 for Microsoft BAS 1C-80 Source

3. 5% inch lor 48K Apple II with Applesoft ROM and DOS 3.3
$25 for Protected File - add $20 tor Applesoft Source

4. 5V« inch for 64K IBM Personal Computer

$25 tor Protected File - add $20 lor IBM Disk BASIC Source

5. 5V« inch tor Osborne I Microcomputer

$25 tor Protected File - add $20 for Microsoft BASIC-80 Source

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE RESEARCH GROUP

921 NORTH LA JOLLA AVENUE—DEPT R
LOS ANGELES. CALIFORNIA 90046
(213)656-7368 (213)654-2214

MC, VISA and CHECKS ACCEPTED

DISK DRIVE for Apple II
only $ 239.00

SVa" totally apple compatible SUGART
drive. Runs DOS 3.3 Pascal & CP/M.
90 days manufacturers warranty. Disk
controller card $65.00.

Verbatim Diskettes

5’/«" SS/DO softsector S 27.00 plastic box of 10
8 SS/DO softsector $ 38.00 box of 10

Monitors, Printers (Okidata, C. Itoh,
Epson) $ call for lowest prices.

To order send check or money order
VISA/MC accepted. Calif, res. add 6V 7 % tax.

FREE shipping

Universal Computer Products
671 Aldo Ave. #21
Santa Clara, Ca. 95050
_ Tel. (408) 748-9327 _

The First and Only System to Backup
Diskettes Protected by Bad Sectoring
without modification to your drive.

ATARI DISK BACKUP SYSTEM $49 95

Superclone is the only ATARI diskette copier system that lets
you backup just about ANY 'copy protected' diskette. . .in¬
cluding those protected by 'bad sectoring.' Bad tracks and
sectors are created without modifications to or adjustments of
your hardware. Each backup diskette generated by Superclone
functions exactly tike the original. . .self-booting, etc. (In fact,
we suggest that you use the backup and save the original.)
Superclone includes:

SCAN ANALYSIS Map of diskette contents (Location of
data, bad sectors, etc.)

FORMATTING/BAD SECTORING - Non ATARI DOS for¬
matting and bad track/sector creation.

BACKUP - Copies just about everything we can find. . .
regardless of protection scheme.

Superclone is user-friendly and simple to use.

PIRATES TAKE NOTE: SUPERCLONE only allows two
copies to be made of any specific diskette. . .Sorry!!!
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS:

Atari 400 or 800 Computer / 48K Memory
One Atari 810 Disk Drive / Printer Optional
Available at your comouter store or direct from
FRONTRUNNER. DEALER INQUIRIES ENCOURAGED
TOLL FREE ORDER LINE: (24 Hrs.) 1 800-648-4780
In Nevada or for questions Call: (702) 786-4600
Personal checks allow 2-3 weeks to clear.

M/C and VISA accepted.

Include $2.00 ($5.00 Foreign orders) for shipping.
FRONTRUNNER - 316 California Ave., Suite #712
Reno, Nevada 89509 - (702) 786-4600

Others Make Claims. . .SUPERCLONE makes copies!!!
ATARI is a Trademark of ATARI, Inc.

Sinrlair

Lomputing

Not just another newsletter. Sinclair Com¬
puting is a typeset magazine with color illustra¬
tions. published monthly. If you own a Sinclair
or Timex/Sinclair Computer you need Sinclair
Computing. Every issue is packed with infor
mative Articles. New Products. Users Groups.
News Bits. Letters. Ask Sinclair Corp.. Reviews.
Tutorials. Hardware Projects (many for under
SIO). Programs, and Games. If after your first
issue you are not fully satisfied...cancel your
subscription for a FULL refund.

FOR JUST $ 2.95 PER ISSUE YOU CAN
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR SINCLAIR or
TIMEX/SINCLAIR COMPUTER.

One year for just $36.

Two years for just $65.

Please enclose check or money order.

Sinrlair

Lomputing

Box 95-SC. Glenmont. NY 12077

—

r tutu \\

/' —\ WAMTFrV

COMPUTER MART

4^ i¥ Mil 1 LUi

SOFTWARE AUTHORS . . .

FORMAT

2" X 3"

. for a comprehensive applications soft-

ware directory which will be offered free to
the public. Lowcost national advertising for
amateur and professional programmers Just
$25 per listing for a full year, all types of per¬
sonal computers will be represented, all
types of programs are wanted — games,
educational, home/personal, business, and
professional, for an information kit and soft¬
ware listing form, write or call:

PICTURE YOUR AD HERE!

Microsource Editor

Goddard & Case Publishers, Inc.

108 Oregon Avenue Bronxville NY 10708

NEXT CLOSING DATE:
APR 3

(914) 779 8869

SLICK PAGES? HO!
GREAT DEALS? YES!

Computer Shopper pages aren’t slick because they
were designed lor one purpose: to put buyers in touch
with sellers at the lowest possible cost, this resulted
in bargains on new and used equipment and software

Individuals nationwide are able to list their pre-
owned items for only a few dollars. This created hund¬
reds of classified ads in over 100 big 11x14 pages.

And to make sure there were enough buyers for
advertisers, the subscription price was set low, too!

So strike your first deal by taking advantage of this
special trial subscription offer, today! 6 months, $6 or
12 months, $10. Money back guarantee. MasterCard
and VISA accepted.

OOiTIPUTER SHOPPER

P.O. Box F597 • Titusville, FL 32780
305-269-3211

creative computing CLASSIFIED

CLASSIFIED RATES: Per Word, 15 Word Minimum. REGULAR: $2.00. EXPAND-AD 0 : $3.00. Ads set in all bold type at 20% premium. Ads set with
background screen @ 25 % premium. GENERAL INFORMATION: Prepayment discounts available. Payment must accompany order except credit
card—Am. Ex., Diners, MC, VISA (include exp. date)—or accredited ad agency insertions. Copy subject to publisher’s approval; must be typewritten
or printed. First word set in caps. Advertisers using P.O. Boxes MUST supply permanent address and telephone number. Orders not acknowledged.
They will appear in next available issue after receipt. Closing date: 5th of the 3rd month preceding cover date (e.g., April issue closes Jan. 5th). Send
order & remittance to: Classified Advertising, CREATIVE COMPUTING Magazine, 1 Park Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10016. Direct inquiries to: Kenneth
L. Novotny (212) 725-3927.

SOFTWARE

SOFTWARE at wholesale prices for all popular systems.
Write for free catalogue. New York Software Exchange.
P.O. Box 722, Newtown, PA 18940.

FREE SOFTWARE DIRECTORY. Database manager, mail¬
ing list, inventory, accounting, payroll. TRS-80, xerox, IBM-
PC. Long SASE. 37$. Micro Architect, 96 Dothan, Arlington,
MA 02174. 617-643-4713.

INCOME TAX PROGRAMS—FED TAX I does long/short
forms, etc., $59.95. FED TAX II also does business in¬
come, capital gains/losses, $119.95. FOR TRS 80 1,11.
Specialized Software Inc., PO Box 1004C, Port Huron, Ml
48060. 24 hour order line (519) 432-2865. Visa/MC.

LIBRARY MATE: Filing/keyword retrieval system for books,
articles, excerpts, etc. Supports multi-volume database.
CONTOUR MAPPING: High quality contouring system for
printer, plotter, CRT. Includes data editor, file manager. Ac¬
cepts irregular/gridded data. Manual and Hi-Resdemo disk.
$15.00. Consulting/Development of Geological/Geograph¬
ical Software for Apple and others. Geosystems, Inc., 802 E.
Grand River, Williamston, Michigan 48895. (517) 655-3726.

DISCOUNT SOFTWARE for IBM, Apple II, Apple///, TRS-80,
and Tl 99/4. Send $1.00 for Catalog. Creative Discount
Software, 256 South Robertson Blvd., Suite 2156, Beverly
Hills, CA 90211.

ATARI SOFTWARE—Super discount prices. Free catalog.
1-Stop Software Store, PO Box 21828, Denver, CO 80221.
(303) 431-6598.

TAX PROGRAM $15.00—1040, Schedules A, B, C and In¬
come averages. Our 6th year, programs have been cover arti¬
cles for 3/78 & 4/81 PERSONAL COMPUTING. For Atari,
Apple, TRS-80 and North Star. COD (516) 643-1931, or JJR,
Box 74, Middle Village, New York 11379.

ZX80, ZX81 SOFTWARE 16K memory discreet Fourier trans¬
form, IDFT $30.00. Bush, Box 444, RD2, Rome, NY 13440.

ATTENTION TI99/4A HOME COMPUTER USERS! Four
super graphic-game programs. Send $12.00 for data cas¬
sette. Programs, 162 Chapel Drive, Churchville, PA 18966,
(215)355-4573.

VIC-20 TRS 80C SOFTWARE, HARDWARE—Morse code,
RTTY, EPROM, programmer memory. FRANK LYMAN, P.O.
Box 3091, Nashua, NH 03061.

THE BEST OF Public Domain CPM Software! Utility prog¬
rams, processor of words, catalog disks, compress, com¬
pare, MUCH, MUCH MORE! 8" SS/SD only $28.95 or send
for free information. UNITECH, Box 98, Manchester, NY
14504.

NEC PC8001A/IBM-PC. “MATH TEACHER." Arithmetic
drills. Graphics. Color. Disk. $29.95. CompuTech, Dept.
2-MT-CC, Box 7000-309, Redondo Beach, CA 90277.

VIC-20/COMMODORE 64 Educational software designed by
teachers. Free catalog. ATHENA SOFTWARE, 727 Swarth-
more, Newark, DE 19711.

SINCLAIR ZX81/TS-1000/TRS-80 COLOR COMPUTER
PROGRAMS. Wide Selection/High Quality. Catalog $1.00.
Zeta Software, Box 3522, Greenville, SC 29608.

OPTION-INVESTING PROGRAM MAXIMIZES PROFIT. For
Apple, TRS-80, IBM, $125. Free Brochure. OPTIONS-80,
Box 471-C, Concord, MA 01742.

TYPE-WRITER: Transforms your Apple into a powerful
multi-lingual word processor for Danish, English, Finnish,
French, German, Hawaiian, Hungarian, Italian, Norwegian,
Spanish, Swedish. Upper and lower case display with ac¬
cented letters appear on the screen (without hardware mod¬
ification). Can be tailored to operate with most printers. Only
$69.95! FREE CATALOGUE. THE PROFESSOR, P.O. Box
301, Swanton, Vermont, 05488, (514) 747-9130.

RENT PURCHASE OR EXCHANGE MICROCOMPUTER
SOFTWARE. Save 25% on retail. Send $2.00 for catalog and
full details. Entertainment Express, Inc. Dept. 483CC, 10540
Jerome Rd., Rain City, OH 43064.

SOFTWARE CATALOG. Obtain dollar savings in Apple/IBM
Software. Write for our new catalog. American Computer
Stores, 177 South St., No. M7; Freehold, NJ 07728.

OSBORNE"* GRAPHICS—Create graphics images, movies.
Features: graphics—and text, half-intensity, block move, un¬
derlining, automatic program generation. 55 page manual,
shipping. $29.95. MC, Visa, (813) 687-0194. Supergraphics
from RUFF SOFTWARE, Box 98, Plant City, FL 33566.

APPLE EDUCATIONAL SOFTWARE by teacher. Entertain¬
ing, authentic, hi-res pre-historic creatures. Disk, 48K. Sale,
$24.95. Free Brochure (S.A.S.E.). Dealers welcome. Visa,
Mastercard. OMEGA STAR INC., Box 87413, Houston, TX
77287. (713) 991-1176.

COMPUSETTE is a C-10 cassette which is espe¬
cially designed for micro-computer application by
Tapemasters. 25 for $20, 100 for $70. Com-
pusette-f is a C-20 cassette. 25 for $22,100 for
$77. Visa, MC, COD. Texas (214) 349-0081, other
1-800-527-1227.10% discount for check with or¬
der; POB 38651C, Dallas, TX 75238. Freight pre¬
paid. Defectives replaced.

“THIS IS YOUR COMPUTER SPEAKING..." In this digital
age are you still using analog phone answering tapes? Di-
givoice is entirely computer generated and will say your cus¬
tom message. Any TWO messages on cassette for $10. Di-
givoice, Box 416-D, Tuckahoe, NY 10707.

1982 INCOME TAX PROGRAM for 5K unexpanded Vic-20.
1040 and schedule A. Sinclair version available. Only $15.00
post paid. Stock market analysis program $10.00 UC
Software, 1236 Abbotsbury, Universal City, TX 78148.

THE HOME COMPUTER SHOP. Send SASE for offer. HCS^

PO Box 55650, Riverside, CA 92517-0650.

VIC-20 SOFTWARE SALES/RENTALS-Low fees. Dynamic
Micro Associates, Box 778 Dept-CR, Gambrills, MD 21054.

FREE TIMEX PROGRAM! SASE brings catalog! Lowest
prices! Dealers welcome. EZRAEZRA, Box 5222-X, San Di¬
ego, CA 92105.

TI-99/4A PROGRAMMERS: 6 programs plus list, $6.95.
Cash, check, m.o., or $1.00 for list. PROGRAMS, 1435
Burnley Square North, Colombus, OH 43229.

HARDWARE

ATARI, NEC, COMMODORE, Hardware, software, printers,
modems, monitors. We’ll beat most prices! Specify product
catalog 50$. ITS A MICRO WORLD, Box 17636, Rochester,
NY 14617.

COMPUTER EQUIPMENT/SUPPLIES

ELEPHANT FLOPPY DISKS 5*78”-(10/Box)—5"

SSSD/soft $21.96, $20.96/2+; SSDD $24.96, $23.96/2+;
DSDD $32.49, $30.96/2+. Double density available soft/10/
16 sector (specify). 8" SSSD $24.96, $23.96/2+. Shipping
$2/order. Add NJ sales tax if applicable. Write for other prices,
info. Direct-to-Tape Recording Company, 14 Station, Haddon
Heights, NJ 08035.

PLUGS-INS AND ADD-ONS FOR THE IBM PERSONAL
COMPUTER. Available in kit form as well as assembled.
Build it yourself and save. Free information. Compatible
Computer Corp., Dept CC8, Box 51102, Seattle, WA98115.

END COMPUTER CLUTTER! Store color computer, all ac¬
cessories, in fine furniture cabinet under TV. Opens to form
desk work surface. Send $7.00 for professionally detailed
plans to. Neat Designs, Box 94266, Birmingham, AL 35220.

MAXELL DISKS 5Va" SS/DD $28.95/box +$2.00/order for
ship/hand. Wise, residents add sales tax. Check, money or¬
der. Write for software prices. Sunrise Systems Group, Box
33, Cudahy, Wl 53110.

WANT A PLEASANT SURPRISE! Call or write for our quotes:
Atari, Commodore, Timex, Franklin, Tl, Okidata and more.
ACCESSORIES, SOFTWARE. Factory sealed with full man¬
ufacturer’s warranty. HARDWARE, SOFTWARE, ANY-
WARE, 10 Coles Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231. (212) 596-3592.

ATARI 400/800 full-travel keyboard kits. Lowest cost upgrade
available. Brochure. S/wARE, 1341-L Quail Hollow Rd., Har¬
risburg, PA 17112.

EPROM ERASER $49.95. Erases all UV Eproms, 90 day
warranty, send orders to LOGICAL DEVICES INC., 781 W.
Oakland Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 33311, (305) 776-
5870.

VISICALC™ Templates for APPLE/ATARI. Financial
Pack (24 templates) or Statistical Pack (16
templates). Requires most recent VISICALC.™ Price
$14.95 per pack. Send check or money order to: R.H.
Flast & Co., 6 Peter Cooper Road, New York, NY 10010.

COMPUTER PUBLICATIONS

HOW TO MAKE MONEY WITH YOUR MICROCOMPUTER.
Hard-back, 168 page guide shows how... Money back
guaranteed ... Send $14.95 to RH Publications, P.O. Box
105/C, Sullivan, Illinois 61951. $1 for complete book list.

APPLE SOFTWARE DIRECTORY. Over 500 programs
with full program descriptions, prices, and ordering in¬
formation. Available at APPLE dealers, bookstores, or
send $4.95 to: The LAMA Software Directory, PO Box
201, Bloomingdale, Illinois 60108. Next deadline for pro¬
gram listings March 31,1983.

NOW GET $$$ BACK FROM YOUR COMPUTER. Sample
newlsetter $1. COMPU-PROFIT, Dept. CC3, Fairfax
Station, VA. 22039-0332.

QUARTERLY LETTER, 5 Games in BASIC. Sample issue $2.
Richards Reports, Box 677, StonyBrook, NY 11790.

nIc PC80O1A NEWSLETTER SERVICE. Send SASE to:

NEC NEWSLETTER, Box 7000-309, Redondo Beach. CA
90277.

FOR SALE/BARTER

TELETYPE EQUIPMENT for experienced computer en¬
thusiasts and beginners. Teletype machines, parts, supplies.
Catalog: $1.00. ATLANTIC SALES, 3730 Nautilus Ave.,
Brooklyn, NY 11224. (212) 372-0349.

RESISTORS, V 2 WV 2 W5% C.F. 3* ea., 1% metalfilms. No
minimums. Cabinet Assortments. Quantity Discounts. De¬
tails from JR INDUSTRIES, 5834-G, Swancreek, Toledo, OH
43614.

DIAMOND NEEDLES and STEREO CARTRIDGES AT
DISCOUNT PRICES for SHURE, PICKERING, STANTON,
EMPIRE, GRADO, AUDIO TECHNICA, 0RT0F0N, ADC,
SONUS AND MICRO-ACOUSTICS. Send S.A.S.E., free
catalog. LYLE CARTRIDGES, Dept. C, Box 69, Brook¬
lyn, NY 11218. For fast COD service TOLL FREE
1-800-221-0906. NY state (212) 871-3303. 9AM-
8PM except Sunday.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

MAILORDER OPPORTUNITY! Start profitable business
without experience or capital. Information free. MAIL
ORDER ASSOCIATES, Dept. 405, Montvale, NJ 07645.

COMPUTER CASH—101 exciting, new, spare-time home
businesses. $4.50. Associated Research, Box 22485CR,
Houston, TX 77227.

MAKE MONEY IN COLLEGE—Sell consumer audio, video,
car stereo and computers. Over 10,000 items in stock of
name brand merchandise. Call 800-241-6270 for information
and 200-page catalog: ask for Kay.

ELECTRONICS FIRM is looking for assemblers interested in
working at home. Send $3.00 application fee. I. R.D.C., Dept.
D, Joppa Hill Road, Manchester, NH 03102.

MULTI-MARKET HOME COMPUTERS. Create tax deduc¬
tions. Earn $2m/3m per month. Write-off cost of your compu¬
ter. Phone day/evenings (213) 476-7697. D. Paul Cohen En¬
terprises, Inc., 152 South Sepulveda, Los Angeles, CA
90049.

SOFTWARE for all HOME COMPUTERS. Unique marketing.
No technical knowledge needed. Home Business, no inven¬
tory required. Refundable Business Kit $20.00 postage paid.
NOVATRONICS, Box 7352, Minneapolis, MN 55407.

SOFTWARE SALES—MULTILEVEL part time business from
your home. Software, 103-H Potter, Belleville, Ml 48111.

GAMES

VIC-20 (5K) game of strategy. Brand new! BASEBALL AD¬
VERSARY pits you against the computer—an artificially in¬
telligent baseball manager. There are homeruns, pinch hit¬
ters, extra innings, etc.—just like the game played on turf.
Limited sixty day warranty. $10.95—send check/money
order to: Parr Programming, 2664 Tyler St., Gary, IN 46407.
(219) 885-0611. Free shipping within continental United
States. IN residents add 4% sales tax.

COMMODORE 64-TAPES: Mazeman, Blackjack,
Backgammon, $9.00 each. Three/$22.00. Designacom,
5122 Lakeshore, Burlington, Ontario. U.S. Inquiries only.

JIGSAW GENERATOR creates new puzzles each game.
Four skill levels. 10 to 49 pieces. Ten supplied pictures or
draw your own. Apple II Plus 48K Dos 3.3. Send $24.95 to
Leslie Hoffenberg, I.E. Scott #1405, Chicago, IL 60610.
$1.00 for more info, graphics sample.

CHANGEMASTER: Revolutionary Paradoxical Cardgame!
(Uses standard deck.) Rules $2.00: Danook, Box 1069, Seat¬
tle, WA 98111.

5 VIC-20 PROGRAMS for $15.95. The best on cassette. Fun
for the whole family. 5K, Kompu-fun, P.O. Box 806D,
Richboro, PA 18954.

VIC-20 MAZE CHASE, Four number games and text adven¬
ture. First 100 orders receive free bonus/cassette. $17.95. M.
Pascall Software, Box 1143, Santee, CA 92071.

NEW CPM DETECTIVE GAME in Basic-E; on 8"—$19.95,
Hawis, 16329 Stonegrove, Cerritos, CA 90701.

VIDEO GAME CARTRIDGES are easy to duplicate. Average
cost per game $10.00. Complete detailed plans $9.95. Ran¬
dom Access, Box 41770F, Phoenix, AZ 85080.

IBM PC PRODUCTS

FREE PC INFORMATION, RGB Color Cables, Graphics
Software and Booklet—"CHOOSING COLOR MONITORS.”
J.C. Strick & Associates, 949 S. Southlake Drive, Hollywood,
Florida 33019. Or call (305) 925-7004.

TIMEX/SINCLAIR

SINCLAIR ZX81/TS 1000 16K “ALPHA BASE.” Com-
mand your spacecraft from orbit to “ALPHA BASE"
and return. Difficulty levels, impressive, challeng¬
ing. $8.95. MICROGRAFIX, 306 Double Tree, Lewis¬
ville, TX 75067.

UTILITY SOFTWARE. CASSETTES/relocatable machine
language. SASE for information—SIRIUSWARE, 6 Turning
Mill Rd., Lexington, MA 02173.

2K PROGRAMS! Four Games $9.95. Free catalog. SASE:
2-BIT SOFTWARE, CC-1,13674 Boquita, Delmar, CA 92014.

WIDEST LINE OF HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE available
for the TS 1000/ZX 81 computers. Memory packs, prin¬
ters, keyboards, joysticks, relay and transistor drivers,
centronics and RS 232, I/O ports, motherboards, etc.
Games, business, education, utility and personal use
sofware. Catalog free in U.S., $1 outside U.S. SINCLAIR
PLACE, Box 2288A, Redmond, WA 98052.

COMPUTER CONSULTANT

SPACE CITY SOFTWARE—Business System/Software
Consulting, Design, Programming, Training, Support. CP/M
Specialist. Houston (713) 465-3131.

COMPUTER INSTRUCTION

COMPUTER REPAIR, PROGRAMMING, WORD PRO¬
CESSING Courses. Exciting “Hands On" training in 4
months, lifetime placement assistance. Systems Technology
Institute, 6442 Edgewater Drive, Orlando, FL 32810. (305)
299-6535.

PC-1 OWNERS! Learn machine language fundamentals.
Includes a machine monitor, editor, assembler, and bi¬
nary calculator with tutorial/manual ... $30 ppd. Also
have Program catalog utility... $25 ppd, and the Pocket
Banner for vertical/horizontal messages ... $10 ppd.
Structured MicroSyst, 3402 Fernandina Road, Columbia,
SC 29210.

COMPUTER SHOWS

TRS-80/Apple/IBM-PC COMPUTER SHOW. New York Stat-
ler Hotel. Apr. 8-10. For information, (201) 297-2526.

AUDIO/VIDEOTAPES

SUCCESS MOTIVATION TAPES. Free Catalog. Subliminal
Sample $2.98. Rhythmetic International Systems, 2108-C
Garnet, San Diego, CA 92109.

COMMODORE 64

ARCADE ACTION—MOVIE THRILLS—“Lightcycles”,
futuristic motorcycle chase-fast machine language for
Commodore 64 on Disk or cassette. Send $15.95 to
UNICORN, Box 7L, Graysummit, MO 63039.

MAILING LISTS

MAILING LISTS of over 250,000 microcomputer owners
for rent. By machine: Apple, IBM, TRS-80. etc. Plus
stores, clubs and much more. Write for catalog or call.
Irv Brechner, Box 453, Livingston, NJ 07039. (201) 731-
4382.

WANTED

TAX-DEDUCTIONS— Please donate Apples/Equipment.
Special education program. Erikson. Drexel Hill School, Dre-
xel Hill, Pennsylvania 19026. (215) 853-4580.

SERVICES

ATARI REPAIR—Authorized service station for videogames,
computers, TRS-80. Ship to Electronic Service, Route 150,
Mansfield, IL 61854. (217) 489-3241.

MAILING LIST—TARGET MARKETING 1500 Software/
Hardware dealers, 170 computer publications & 100 software
vendors. Sorted zip on pressure sensitive labels. US &
Canada. $125.00 to: CRT, POB 3151, Redwood City, CA
94064.

PROTECT YOUR HARDWARE. Anodized plates. Mark any¬
thing permanently. National retrieval service. Catalog $1.00.
FINDERS, Box 2500-CC, Chesapeake, VA 23320.

TRS-80 COLOR COMPUTER

HIGH QUALITY 16K SOFTWARE! Entertainment, Educa¬
tion, Business. Send SASE for FREE CATALOG. ILUME DE¬
SIGN, Dept. CC, 4653 Jeanne-Mance Street, Montreal,
Quebec, Canada H2V 4J5. U.S. Inquiries only.

CHURCH PROGRAMS forTRS—80 Models I, II, III. Custom
Data, Box 1066, Alamogordo, NM 88310. (505) 434-1096.

USERS GROUPS

VIC-20 USERS GROUP, receive newsletter, programs, dis¬
counts and more. Send SASE for information. P.O. Box 459,
Dept. 8, Ladson, South Carolina 29456.

PROGRAMS

IBM-PC, FAST Cross-reference program to BASICA with
sorted listings of SUBROUTINES, VARIABLES, FUNC¬
TIONS, and KEYWORDS including FORMATTED program
listing. US $28.00. SIS, P.O. Box 301, Unionville, Ontario,
Canada L3R 2V3. U.S. Inquiries only.

CATALOG!

Just let us know and we’ll mail
you a FREE Creative Comput¬
ing Catalog-16 pages filled
with books, buyer’s guides,
magazines, and more!

Ib get your FREE catalog,
write to: Creative Computing
Catalog, Dept NA1X 39 East
Hanover Ave., Morris Plains,

NJ 07950.

creative coi«patiRg*s RETAIL ROSTER

A DIRECTORY OF STORES AND THE PRODUCTS THEY CARRY
TO PLACE A LISTING CALL COLLECT: LOIS PRICE (212) 725-7226

ALABAMA

VILLAGE COMPUTERS, 1720 28th Avenue South,
Homewood, 35209. (205) 870-8943. Apple, Vector,
Graphics, Peripherals, Software, Training and Service.

ARIZONA

PHOENIX — HEATHKIT ELECTRONIC CENTER. 2727 W.
Indian School Rd., 85017. (602) 279-6247. Heath/Zenith
Computers, Software, peripherals.

TUCSON — HEATHKIT ELECTRONIC CENTER, 7109 E.
Broadway 85710. (602) 885-6773. Heath/Zenith Computers,
Software, Peripherals.

ARKANSAS

GAME SHOP — Ft. Smith 72902. Computer Software for
personal computers. 7 days/week.

CALIFORNIA

D.E.S. DATA EQUIPMENT SUPPLY—8315 Firestone, Dow¬
ney 90241. (213) 923-9361. VICVILLE: (714) 778-5455.
Commodore PET, Commodore 64, Vic 20 specialists. Latest
Software, Hardware, Books, Supplies, Peripherals in stock.

ANAHEIM—HEATHKIT ELECTRONIC CENTER, 330 E. Ball
Rd., 92805. (714) 776-9420. Heath/Zenith Computers,
Software, Peripherals.

CAMPBELL —HEATHKIT ELECTRONIC CENTER, 2350~s!

Bascom Ave., 95009. (408) 377-8920. Heath/Zenith Com¬
puters, Software, Peripherals.

EL CERRITO — HEATHKIT ELECTRONIC CENTER, 6000
Potrero Ave., 94530. (415) 236-8870. Heath/Zenith Comput¬
ers, Software, Peripherals.

LA MESA—HEATHKIT ELECTRONIC CENTER, 8363 Cen-
ter Dr., 92041. (714) 461-0110. Heath/Zenith Computers,
Software, Peripherals.

LOS ANGELES—HEATHKIT ELECTRONIC CENTER, 2309

S. Flower St., (213) 749-0261. Heath/Zenith Computers,
Software, Peripherals.

POMONA — HEATHKIT ELECTRONIC CENTER, 1555 N.
Orange Grove Ave., (714) 623-3543. Heath/Zenith Comput¬
ers, Software, Peripherals.

REDWOOD CITY — HEATHKIT ELECTRONIC CENTER,
2001 Middlefield Rd., 94063, (415) 365-8155. Heath/Zenith
Computers, Software, Peripherals.

SACRAMENTO—HEATHKIT ELECTRONIC CENTER, 1860
Fulton Ave., 95825. (916) 486-1575. Heath/Zenith Comput¬
ers, Software, Peripherals.

WOODLAND HILLS —HEATHKIT ELECTRONIC CENTER,
22504 Ventura Blvd., 91364. (213) 883-0531. Heath/Zenith
Computers, Software, Peripherals.

PC. COMPUTERS, 10166 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito 94530.
(415) 527-6044. Commodore Pet, Vic 20 Specialists. In
House Maintenance.

BEST COMPUTER STORES, INC. 1122 B Street, Hayward
94541. (415) 537-2983. Apple, Compupro, Gimix, Osborne,
Otrona, Panasonic.

BYTE SHOP OF HAYWARD, 1122 B Street, Hayward 94541,
(415) 537-2983. Apple, Compupro, Gimix, Osborne, Otrona,
Panasonic.

COMPUSALES—16819 South Hawthorne Boulevard,
Lawndale 90260. (213) 370-3224. IBM, Victor 9000, Basis
108, Osborne, NEC, Apple.

THE SOFTWARE AFFAIR—10127 East Rosecrans,
Bellflower, 90706. (213) 866-5206. Apple/TRS-80/Atari/

T. I./Color Computer Software.

COMPUTERLAND—16720 South Hawthorne, Lawndale
90260. (213) 371-4624. IBM, Apple, Commodore, Osborne,
Fortune. Software. Service. Computer Enlightenment.

COMPUTER SERVICE CENTER—Floppy disc drive repair
SI00Sales/Service. Okidata Service. L.A., California90038.
(213) 851-2226.

PROGRAMS UNLIMITED, 11672 Ventura Blvd, Studio City,
90069. 213-763-3425. Hardware, Software, Peripherals,
Magazines, Books. Talk to the pros today!

EXPERT TRAINING, SALES AND INSTALLATION. Systems
Consulting. 265 Lytton Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94301. (415) 326-
8605. Apple, Epson, Xerox, Diablo, etc.

ANAHEIM COMPUTER AND VIDEO, 3016 W. Lincoln Blvd.,
Anaheim, CA 92801, (714) 995-0224. Atari/O.S.I., Vick
Games.

COMPUTER STORE/San Leandro — 701 MacArthur Blvd.,
San Leandro, CA. 94577, (415) 569-4174. Atari, Altos, S100,
Printers. Terminals, software, books, magazines, Supplies.

SOFTWARE PLUS, 6201 "C” Greenback Lane, Citrus
Heights, 95610. 916-726-4979, TRS-80 color, model l/lll, Ap¬
ple, Atari, Vic-20, Tl, Sinclair.

VANGUARD DATA SYSTEMS, 8696 South Atlantic Avenue,
South Gate, 90280, 213-564-6402, Mon-Sat. North Star,
Televideo, CPM Software.

COMPUTER CHAMP, 1200 South Sunset Avenue, West
Covina, 91720, (213) 960-9844. Franklin Ace 1000, DTC
printers, software, peripherals and supplies.

COLORADO

ALPHA CENTER—12351 W. 64th, Arvada 80004.
(303) 421-6361. SUNDAYS! Atari, T.I., Timex, Com¬
modore, Corvus, NEC, Source, Epson, Prowriter.
Repairs.

DENVER—HEATHKIT ELECTRONIC CENTER, 5940 W.
38th Ave., 80212. (303) 422-3408. Heath/Zenith Computers,
Software, Peripherals.

CONNECTICUT

COMPUTERWORKS—1439 Post Rd East, Westport 06880;
(203) 255-9096.12-6 Tues.-Fri., 12-8 Thu., 10-5 Sat.

AVON —HEATHKIT ELECTRONIC CENTER, 395 W. Main
St. (Rt. 44) 06001. (203) 678-0323. Heath/Zenith Computers,
Software, Peripherals.

EAST HARTFORD—Computerifics, 1227 Burnside 06108.
(203) 528-9819. Atari, Vector, NEC HW/SW. Apple, Vic SW.
Books.

UNIT 65 COMMUNICATIONS, 91 Chaffeeville Rd., Mansfield
Center 06250, (203) 423-0657. Retail outlet and wholesaling
for dealers.

MULTI-BUSINESS COMPUTER SYSTEMS—28
Marlborough Street, Portland, 06480, 203-342-2747. Com¬
plete Commodore Line, Hewlett-Packard, Northstar, Print¬
ers, CRT’s.

DELAWARE

COMPUTERLAND, ASTRO SHOPPING CENTER, Newark
19711. (302) 738-9656. Authorized Sales/Service—IBM,
Apple, Osborne, Software, Peripherals, Training.

FLORIDA

HIALEAH — HEATHKIT ELECTRONIC CENTER, 4705 W.
16th Ave., (305) 823-2280. Heath/Zenith Computers,
Software, Peripherals.

JACKSONVILLE — HEATHKIT ELECTRONIC CENTER,
8262 Arlington Expressway. (904) 725-4554. Heath/Zenith
Computers, Software, Peripherals.

PLANTATION — HEATHKIT ELECTRONIC CENTER, 7173
W. Broward Blvd. 33317. (305) 791-7300. Heath/Zenith
Computers, Software, Peripherals.

PROGRAMS UNLIMITED, 2550 Okeechobee Blvd., West
Palm Beach 33409, 305-689-1200. Hardware, Software,
Peripherals, Magazines, Books. Talk to the pros today.

COMPUTER SYSTEM RESOURCES, INC~ GAINES-

VILLE—Butler Plaza 32601. (904) 376-4276. Apple, Os¬
borne, Atari, Software, Peripherals. Classes, Service.

GRICE ELECTRONICS, Fort Walton, Panama City, Pen¬
sacola 32501. 800-342-4646. (800-874-8398). Apple,
Hewlett-Packard, 24 Hour Service.

ORLANDO—SOFTWARE UNLIMITED, 3216 East Colonial
Drive 32803. (305) 894-3304. Discounted programs, acces¬
sories, supplies for personal computers.

THE BYTE SHOP OF MIAMI & FT. LAUDERDALE— 7873
Byrd Road, Miami 33155 (305) 264-BYTE—2176 W. Oakland
Park Blvd., Ft. Lauderdale 33311, (305) 486-BYTE, Apple,
Altos, Kapro, Alpha Micro.

COMPUTER TUTOR—1000-23 US Highway 19, Port
Richey, 33568 (813) 848-8121 — (813) 847-0296. Apple,
Kapro, Northstar, Micromation. Discount Prices.

CORAL GABLES—International Computer Systems, 2201
Ponce de Leon Boulevard, 33134. (305) 448-5960. Apple,
IBM. Software. Programming. Support.

TAMPA—HEATHKIT ELECTRONIC CENTER, 4109 W.
Hillsborough Ave. 33614. (813) 886-2541. Heath/Zenith
Computers, Software, Peripherals.

APPLE AND SANYO at fantastic savings. Service, support,
discount prices. Southern Micro Computer, 15945 NW 57th
Avenue, Miami Lakes, FL 33014, (305) 621-4137. Serving
south Florida for over 5 years.

FAMILY COMPUTERS, 4047 Bee Ridge Rd., Sarasota
33582, (813) 921-7510. TDP-100 micro, peripherals, books,
software, all compatible with the TRS-80 color computer.

GEORGIA

ATLANTA—HEATHKIT ELECTRONIC CENTER, 5285
Roswell Rd., (404) 252-4341. Heath/Zenith Computers,
Software, Peripherals.

MENTOR TECHNOLOGY, 3957 Pleasantdale Road, Atlanta,
30340, 404-447-6236. Franklin, Atari, Televideo, Sanyo, Al¬
tos, C. ITOH Printers Software. CP/M, Apple, IBM.

PROGRAMS UNLIMITED, 2524 Cobb Parkway, Atlanta
30080. Opening in December.

ILLINOIS

COMPUTERLAND/DOWNERS GROVE —136 Ogden Ave.,
Downers Plaza 60515; (312) 964-7762.10-6 Mon.-Sat., 10-8
Tue., Thurs. IBM, Apple, Atari, Osborne, IBM Personal Com¬
puter, Fortune.

THE COMPUTER ROOM, 638 North Michigan, Chicago, IL.
60611. (312) 337-6744. Apple, Televideo, Osborne. Business
Program Specialists.

VIDEO ETC.. 465 Lake Cook Plaza. Deerfield, 60015, (312)
498-9669. Other locations: SKOKIE (312) 675-3655, Orland
Park (312) 460-8980, Buffalo Grove, (312) 459-6677, strong
Hard/Software support for Apple, Atari.

DATA DOMAIN OF SCHAUMBURG, 1612 E. Algonquin Rd.,
Schaumburg, 60195. (312) 397-8700. 12-9 Mon.-Fri., 10-5
Sat. Apple, Osborne, Alpha Micro, Hewlett-Packard cal¬
culators. Largest book and Magazine selection.

LOMBARD—COMPLETE COMPUTING—890 E. Roose-
velt, 60148. (312) 620-0808: Apple. Atari, NEC, Altos, Dyna-
byte; Software, Peripherals, Classes.

COMPUTERLAND/LAKE COUNTY— Rtes 45 & 60, Munde¬
lein 60060—(312) 949-1300: IBM, Apple, Osborne, Altos,
Fortune, Digital: 150 other manufacturers.

NILES—COMPUTERLAND—9511 N. Milwaukee Ave.
60646. (312) 967-1714: Apple, IBM Personal, Cromemco,
Fortune, Osborne, Otrona: Software.

COMPUTERLAND/NORTHBROOK—3069 Dundee Road
(60062). (312) 272-4703: IBM, Apple; Atari, Osborne, Altos,
Vector: Software, Peripherals, Service.

COMPUTERLAND/OAK LAWN—10935 S. Cicero, Oak
Lawn 60453; (312) 422-8080; IBM-PC, Apple, Atari, Os¬
borne, Corvus, Dynabyte: Software, Peripherals.

HEATHKIT ELECTRONIC CENTERS—3462-66 W. Devon
Ave., Chicago 60645 (312) 679-2270—224 Ogden Avenue,
Downer’s Grove 60515, (312) 852-1304—Heath/Zenith
Computers, Software. Peripherals.

GALESBURG—MIDWEST INFORMATION SYSTEMS. 41
South Cherry 61401. (309) 342-7177. Apple, VIC-20,
Peripherals, Software. Open 6 days.

THE SOFTWARE STORE—GLENVIEW—1767 Glenview
Road, 60025, (312) 724-7730. Popular Micro Computer
Software. Special Orders Specialists.

MAIN STREET COMPUTER—215 North Main, Decatur
62523. (217) 429-5505/1610 Broadway, Mattoon 61938. (217)
234-4404/313 East Monroe, Springfield 62701. (217) 753-
8808/123 West Main, Taylorville 62568. (217) 824-4984. Ap¬
ples, Hewlett-Packard Calculators, large stock of business,
personal Software. Repairs.

MICRO COMPUTERS PLUS—349 East Main, Galesburg
61401. (309) 342-9572. All Systems/Home, Business. Clas¬
ses, Service, Books.

ABC COMPUTER—SKOKIE—3361 Dempster, 60076. (312)
673-3550. Gamemaster, Telecommunication Experts.
Business/Personal Computers. Software, Supplies, Service.

ABC COMPUTER—OAK LAWN 60076, 9010 Cicero (312)
423-2800. Gamemaster, Telecommunication experts.
Business/Personal Computers. Software, Supplies, Service.

COMPUTERLAND/ARLINGTON HEIGHTS—270 West
Rand Road, 60004. (312) 870-7500. Apple, IBM, Altos, For¬
tune, Xerox, DEC. Peripherals.

ALPINE COMPUTER CENTER—ROCKFORD—2418 S.
Alpine, 61108. (815) 229-0200. Apple, Cromemco, Olivetti,
OSI, VIC, Corvus, Peripherals.

SYSTEMS SOURCE—131 W. Madison, Chicago 60603 —
Financial District. Apple, Osborne, Xerox, Altos. Business
Support specialists.

PROGRAMS UNLIMITED, 1029 East Golf Road, Woodfield
Commons West, Schaumburg 60195. Opening in December.

FARNSWORTH COMPUTER CENTER—1891 N. Farns¬
worth Ave., Aurora 60505, (312) 851-3888 and 383 E. North
Ave., Villa Park 60181, (312) 833-7100 Mon.-Fri. 10-8, Sat.
10-5. Apple, Fortune, Hewlett-Packard, Series 80 Systems,
HP Calculators, IDS Prism, SMC, Daisy Writer Printers.

INDIANA

GRAHAM ELECTRONICS COMPUTER CENTERS — 133
South Pennsylvania, Indianapolis 46204, (317) 634-8202.
Apple, Victor, NEC.

GRAHAM ELECTRONICS COMPUTER CENTERS—96th &
North Keystone, Indianapolis, 46204, (317) 844-1255. Apple,
Victor, NEC.

GRAHAM ELECTRONICS COMPUTER CENTERS—3433
E. Washington Blvd., Fort Wayne 46801, (219) 423-3422.
Apple, Victor, NEC.

INDIANAPOLIS—HEATHKIT ELECTRONIC CENTER, 2112
E. 62nd St., 46220, (317) 257-4321. Heath/Zenith Comput¬
ers, Software, Peripherals, Service.

KANSAS

MISSION—HEATHKIT ELECTRONIC CENTER, 5960
Lamar Avenue 66202. (913) 362-4486 Heath/Zenith Com¬
puters, Software, Peripherals, Service.

GAME SHOP—Wichita 62701. Computer Software for per¬
sonal computers. 7 days/week.

KENTUCKY

LOUISVILLE—HEATHKIT ELECTRONIC CENTER—12401
Shelbyville Road, 40243. (502) 245-7811. Heath/Zenith
Computers, Diablo Printers, Software, Peripherals.

SHELBYVILLE—SOUTHERN COMPUTER SYSTEMS —
630 Main Street, 40065. (502) 633-5639. Microcomputers:
Northstar, TRS-80, Kaypro, Basis 108, Atari. Peripherals:
Okidata, C. Itoh, Smith, Corona, Corvus. Software: All major
brands. Turnkey Systems, we service all major brands and
peripherals!

LOUISIANA

THE COMPUTER PEOPLE—Apple, NEC, Osborne,
Corvus Concept—Seminars, Sales, Service. Houma,
Morgan City, Lafayette 70380.1-800-352-5828.

COMPUTERLAND/LOUISIANA—312 St. Charles, New Or¬
leans 70130. (504) 522-2255. IBM, Apple, Osborne, Fortune,
Vector. #1 in service.

MARYLAND

BALTIMORE —HEATHKIT ELECTRONIC CENTER, 1713 E.
Joppa Rd., 21234. (301) 661-4446. Heath/Zenith Computers,
Software, Peripherals.

ROCKVILLE — HEATHKIT ELECTRONIC CENTER, 5542
Nicholson Lane 20852. (301) 881-5420. Heath/Zenith Com¬
puters, Software, Peripherals.

BETHESDA COMPUTERS—8020 Norfolk Ave., Bethesda
20814. (301) 657-1992. Apple Hardware/Software—Sales/
Service/Peripherals and Accessories.

OLNEY COMPUTERS. 3414 First Ave., Olney 20832. Dis¬
count prices on Atari, NEC, Epson, Okidata, Commodore,
Amdek.

BASIK COMPUTERS INC., 515 Firstfield Road, Gaith¬
ersburg, 20878, 301-840-0412. All Hardware/Software com¬
patible with Apple, Basis 108, Franklin, IBM, Kay Pro, Eagle,
and the new Epson Computers, call for Discount Prices.

MASSACHUSETTS

SCIENCE FANTASY BOOKSTORE —18 Eliot St., Harvard
Sq., Cambridge 02138; (617) 547-5917. 11-6 Monday-Sat-
urday till 8 Thursday. Apple, Atari, IBM and TRS-80 games.

PEABODY —HEATHKIT ELECTRONIC CENTER, 242 An¬
dover St., 01960. (617) 531-9330. Heath/Zenith Computers,
Software, Peripherals.

WELLESLEY — HEATHKIT ELECTRONIC CENTER, 165
Worchester Ave., 02181. (617) 237-1510. Heath/Zenith Com¬
puters, Software, Peripherals

BURLINGTON/SOFT SUPPLY INC.—68 Middlesex Tpk.,
01803; (617) 229-6666. Supporting IBM, NEC. Digital, Apple
Microcomputers.

HOME ENTERTAINMENT SHOWPLACE—757 Belmont,
Brockton, 02401. (617) 588-1643. Atari, Commodore,
Peripherals. Game/Business Software. Call now!

BRAINTREE—J.L. HAMMETT. Hammett Place 02184, (617)
848-1000. South Shore Plaza Store (617) 848-1000. Apple,
all educational software, books.

THE GAME SHOP—ACTON, 427 Great Road (01720); (617)
263-0418. N.E.’s largest selection of Game/Recreational
Software.

MICHIGAN

COMPUTER CENTER — Garden City, 48138, (313) 425-
2470 & West Bloomfield; (313) 855-4220; Hewlett-Packard
Computers/Calculators, Apple, North Star. Large Selection of
Software/Hardware.

COMPUTER CONTACT—3017 East Hill, Grand Blanc
48439. (313) 694-3740. Apple, Altos. Software, Peripherals,
Service. Business/Education/Personal.

DETROIT—HEATHKIT ELECTRONIC—E. Detroit 48021:
18149 E. Eight Mile (313) 772-0416—Detroit: 18645 W. Eight
Mile (313) 535-6480.

COMPUTERLAND—22000 Greater Mack Avenue, St. Clair
Shores 48080. (313) 772-6540. Altos, Apple, Atari, DEC, For¬
tune, IBM, Osborne, Xerox.

MINNESOTA

DIGITAL DESIGNS—ROCHESTER—1137 6th Street N.W.
55901. (507) 282-3222. Altos, Apple, Software, Peripherals.
Service and Training.

MISSISSIPPI

MISSISSIPPI MICROS, Mart 51,1700 Terry Road, Jackson,
39204, (601) 948-7846, Apple, Commodore, Atari,
Cromenco, Sales and Service.

PROGRAMS UNLIMITED, 4030 Metro Drive, Metro Con¬
venience Center, Jackson 39209. Opening in December.

MISSOURI

COMPUTER ANNEX—411 South Campbell, Springfield
65806. (417) 864-7036. Bell & Howell, “Apple,’’ Franklin,
Sales, Service, Supplies.

MONTANA

THE COMPUTER STORE —BILLINGS—1216-CC 16th
Street, 59102. (406) 245-0092: Apple, Commodore,
Hewlett-Packard: Software, Perpherals, Service.

NEVADA

HOME COMPUTERS —1775 E. Tropicana #6, Las Vegas
89109; (702) 798-1022. Mon.-Sat. 10-7 Apple, Atari,
Hardware/Software, Books & Service.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

COMPUTER MART OF NEW HAMPSHIRE, 170 Main St.,
Nashua, 03060. (603) 883-2386. THE Apple Specialists. Full
line Hardware/Software. Training Service.

COMPU-CRAFT. 11 Dunbar Street, Keene 03431. (603)
357-3901. Commodore, Altos, Software. Buy right for educa¬
tion/business.

VIDEO STORE—140 Congress, Portsmouth 03801. (603)
431-1211. Osborne and Atari for your business/home.
Software. Supplies.

NEW JERSEY

STONEHENGE COMPUTER CORP., 89 Summit Ave.,
Summit 07901. (201) 277-1020.10-6 M.-F., 10-5 Sat. Apple,
Canon, Wicat. Authorized Dealer. Sales and Service.

COMPUTERLAND, 35 Plaza, Rt. 4 West, Paramus, 07652.
(201) 845-9303. Apple, IBM, Vector Graphic, etc. We know
small computers.

ASBURY PARK —HEATHKIT ELECTRONIC CENTER, 1013
State Hwy. 35, 07712. (201) 775-1231. Heath/Zenith Com¬
puters, Software, Peripherals.

FAIR LAWN — HEATHKIT ELECTRONIC CENTER, 35-07
Broadway (Rt. 4), 07410. (201) 791-6935. Heath/Zenith
Computers, Software, Peripherals.

COMPUTERLAND OF CHERRY HILL — Pine Tree Plaza,
1442 E. Rt. 70, Cherry Hill 08034. (609) 795-5900. Apple,
IBM, Fortune.

SOFTWARE MART — 352 Bloomfield Avenue, Caldwell
07006, 201-228-4949. Software for Apple, Atari, TRS-80,
10-20% off list.

WAYNE SOFTWARE, 1459 Route 23, Wayne Tile Center,
Wayne 07470, across from Packanack Center. Computers.
Programs. Books. Peripherals. Discount Prices. 201-628-
7318.

BAYONNE: PARTS UNLIMITED, 433 Broadway 07002. (201)
339-5009. Apple, Atari, Sinclair, Commodore. Peripherals,
software, full professional support.

PROGRAMS UNLIMITED, Soon to open in Paramus.

SOFTWARE CITY'S—The Program Discount Centers. PINE
BROOK, 101 Route 46 East 07058, (201) 575-4574;
TEANECK, 161 Cedar La., (201) 692-8298; SUMMIT, 5
Beechwood Rd., (201) 273-7904; MONTVALE, 146 Kinder-
kamack Rd., (201) 391-0931; GREEN BROOK, 60 Route 22
West (201) 968-7224; FAIRVIEW, 251 Broad Avenue, (201)
943-9444; PRINCETON, 33 Witherspoon St., (609) 683-
1644; MIDLAND PARK, 85 Godwin Ave., (201) 447-9794.

SOFTWARE ASYLUM, INC. 626 Roosevelt Ave., Carteret.
07008. (201) 969-1900. Huge selection for Atari—over 400
programs available. Call for our catalog.

WESTWOOD. BERGEN COUNTY—COMPUTER PALACE,
314 Third Avenue, 07675. (201) 358-0100. Atari, Commo¬
dore, Tl, Franklin. Full range of peripherals/software. Expert
Training. Programmers on staff.

BITS. BYTES, & PIECES, 190 Buckelew Avenue, James-
burg, 08831, (201) 521-2432. Atari, Tl 99/4A, Commodore,
North Star. SPECIALIZING IN SOFTWARE, INCLUDING
RENTALS.

NEW YORK

COMPUTER WORLD —6464 W. Quaker St., Orchard Park,
14127. (716) 662-4141. M-F: 9-9, Sat: 9-5. Atari, Commodore
—VIC-20, 64, Tl 99/4A. Epsom HX20, QX10 computers, and
printers. Hardware/Software.

AMHERST — HEATHKIT ELECTRONIC CENTER, 3476
Sheridan Drive, 14226. (716) 835-3090. Heath/Zenith Com¬
puters, Software, Peripherals.

ROCHESTER — HEATHKIT ELECTRONIC CENTER, 937
Jefferson Rd., 14623. (716) 424-2560. Heath/Zenith Com¬
puters, Software, Peripherals.

N. WHITE PLAINS—HEATHKIT ELECTRONIC CENTER, 7
Reservoir Rd., 10603. (914) 761-7690. Heath/Zenith Com¬
puters, Software, Peripherals.

PROGRAMS UNLIMITED, 20A Jericho Turnpike, Jericho,
Long Island 11753. (516) 333-2266. Hardware, Software,
Peripherals, Magazines, Books. Talk to the pros today.

PROGRAMS UNLIMITED, Smith Haven Plaza, (Route 347)
Smith Haven, Long Island 11755. (516) 724-4490. Hardware,
Software, Peripherals, Books. Talk to the pros today.

PROGRAMS UNLIMITED, 131 Mamaroneck Avenue, White
Plains 10601, (914) 761-9283. Hardware, Software,
Peripherals, Magazines, Books. Talk to the pros today.

BUSINESS COMPUTING INTERNATIONAL—342 Madison,
NYC 10173. (212) 697-9400. Specialization Export: Archives,
Wicat, IBM Series I, System 23 Datamaster, Arabic Conver¬
sion Packages, All Software.

COMPUTER COTTAGE Inc., Main Road, Mattituck, N.Y.
11952. (516) 266-1084, 24 hours. Featuring Atari Home
Computers. Also, Tl 99/4A, Commodore, North Star. Au¬
thorized Service.

PROGRAMS UNLIMITED, 5024A East Jericho Turnpike,
Commack, 11725, 516-499-2828. Hardware, Software,
Peripherals, Magazines, Books. Talk to the Pros today!

UPSTATE COMPUTER SHOP, 1823 Western Avenue, Al-
bany, 12203, 518-456-3019, Commodore, Altos, Victor,
Eagle.

UPSTATE COMPUTER SHOP, Commercial Drive/Route 5A,
Rd 1 Box 17A, Whitesboro, 13492. 315-768-8151, Apple,
Commodore, Altos, Victor. Software/Hardware.

COMPUTER DISCOUNT SERVICES. 448 West 55th St.,
New York, 10019. 212-757-8698. Timex Sinclair, Atari, Texas
Instruments Hardware, Software, Peripherals.

LEIGH’S COMPUTERS, 212 East 85 Street, New York City
10028. (212) 879-6257. Apple, Atari, Franklin, VIC 20, Com¬
modore 64, Tl, Timex Sinclair—Hardware/Software. All
Peripherals. Classes. Discount prices.

SOFTWARE CITY’S—The Program Discount Centers.
MOUNT KISCO. 187 Main St. 10549. (914) 666-6036;
FOREST HILLS, 113-01 Queens Blvd., (212) 261-1141.

ROCHESTER—MICRO AGE COMPUTER STORE-^1707

Monroe Avenue 14618. (716) 244-9000. Personal/Business
Systems. CP/M, MP/M Specialists. Unusual applications.
Expert Service. Books/Periodicals.

VIDEO VILLAGE, LONG ISLAND, 5060-A Sunrise Highway.
Massapequa Park, 11762. (516) 799-1616. Long Island’s
largest Atari, Commodore, Franklin dealer. Great Software/
Service. Catalog. 25«.

NORTH CAROLINA

PERSONAL COMPUTER CENTER, 2605 Chapel Hill
Boulevard, Durham 27407, 919-493-5466, Raleigh 919-
833-2240. Full Line of Apple Hardware/Software for Busi¬
ness, Education & Life.

GREENSBORO — HEATHKIT ELECTRONIC CENTER,
4620 W. Market Street, 27407. (919) 299-5390. Heath/Zenith
Computers, Software, Peripherals.

COMPUTER & VIDEO CENTER —1902 Clarendon Blvd.,
New Bern 28560. (919) 638-5030. Vic-20. Northstar, Altos.
Specializing in Small Business Systems.

OHIO

ABACUS 11 — 1417 Bernath Pkwy., Toledo 43615; (419) 865-
1009. 4751 Monroe St. (419) 471-0082.10-6,10-7 Thurs. Ap¬
ple, Osborne, Adds, NEC, Atari, Epson & IDS Printers.

PROGRAMS UNLIMITED, Golden Gate Plaza, Mayfield
Heights, 44124. (216) 449-4030. Hardware, software,
peripherals, magazines, books. Talk to the pros today!

BARNHART STORES —548 N. Main, Urbana 43078. (513)
653-7257. 8AM-5PM. Atari/Commodore at discount prices.
Timex/Sinclair.

ELECTRONIC CONNECTION — 424 E. Stroop, Kettering
45429; (513) 294-0222 — Trojan Village Shopping Center,
Troy 45373. Atari, Commodore, Timex —Home Computer
Specialists.

JERRY'S COMPUTER—The Euclid Arcade #30, Cleveland,
44115, (216) 579-0648 — Authorized North Star, PMC80
dealer—Software— Peripherals.

GRAHAM ELECTRONICS COMPUTER CENTERS — 239
Northland Blvd., Cincinnati 45246, (513) 772-1661. Apple,
Victor, NEC.

COMPUTERLAND/CLEVELAND: 4 Convenient locations!
Columbia Plaza, N. Olmstead, (216) 777-1433; Som Center,
Mayfield Hgts., 44124, 461-1200; Belden Village, Akron-
Canton, 493-7786; E. 9th St., Cleveland, 621-7262; IBM, Ap¬
ple, Osborne, Altos, Fortune, Peripherals. APPLICATIONS
SOFTWARE TO FIT MOST NEEDS. FULL PROFESSIONAL
SUPPORT. We know small computers.

NORTH COAST COMPUTERS, 650 Dover Center, Bay Vil¬
lage 44140, 216-835-4345. 10-6 Mon-Fri, 10-8 Tuesday,
9:30-5 Saturday. Apple, Osborne, Vector Graphics, Altos.

MICRO LOGIC, 2322 Bethel-Maple Road, Hamersville,
45130, 513-735-3047, complete Commodore Line—VIC 20,
64, PET, CBM.

OKLAHOMA

OKLAHOMA CITY — HEATHKIT ELECTRONIC CENTER,
2727 Northwest Expressway. 73112. (405) 848-7593.
Heath/Zenith Computers, Software, Peripherals.

TULSA—ABS COMPUTER CENTER—8518 E East
71st (74133), (918) 252-1604: Atari, Apple,
Hewlett-Packard. Software, Peripherals, Training.

SYSTEMS PLUS—3407 South Boulevard, Oklahoma City,
73034. (405) 348-0862. NEC business applications, Atari,
VIC-20, Peripherals for IBM

ENID—Specialty Electronics, 73701, (405) 233-1632. Atari,
Commodore, Texas Instruments. Alt Software/Business Ap¬
plications. Open 6 days/week.

GAME SHOP—Norman, Stillwater, Oklahoma City, Tulsa
(74145). Computer Software for personal computers. 7
days/week.

OREGON

MICRO COMPUTER SUPPLIES, INC. 3809 Southwest Hall,
Beaverton, 97005. (503) 643-0865. Kaycomp-2, Televideo,
Xerox, Diablo, Dysan, 3M. Ribbons, Forms, Software.

THE COMPUTER STORE—2015 Northwest Circle Boule¬
vard, Corvallis 97330. (503) 754-0811. Microcomputers/
Peripherals sales and service. Training.

MAIL ORDER—COMPUTEROLA—P.O. Box 13748, Port-
land, 92713. (503) 239-4315. Atari, VIC-20, Epson, Okidata,
Hayes. Software, Peripherals.

BYTE SHOP—625 SW 10th, PORTLAND 97205/3482 SW
Cedar Hills Boulevard, BEAVERTON 97005. Apple, IBM,
Atari, Osborne, Northstar, Alpha Micro. All Software.

PENNSYLVANIA

CALDWELL COMPUTER CORR, 6720 Rising Sun Ave.
Philadelphia 19111. (215) 742-8900. Apple, Commodore,
Percom, Northstar Sales/Service.

ERIE COMPUTER CO., 2131 W. 8th St., Erie, 16505. (814)
454-7652. Apple, Commodore, OSI, Xerox, Atari, Huge in¬
ventory of Software.

MARKETLINE SYSTEMS INC., 975 Jaymor Road, South¬
ampton, PA 18966, (215) 355-5400. We sell and service Mi¬
crocomputers and Peripherals. Related books/magazines
available.

20/20 COMPUTER, 2020 Hamilton Street, Allentown, 18104,
(215) 439-1800. Atari, Apple, Durango, Hewlett-Packard,
Data General, Zenith, Televideo. Hardware/Software and
Peripherals.

INTEGRATED MICRO COMPUTER SERVICE, 168 Madison,
Rochester 15074, (412) 728-6331, authorized dealer of Atari,
also selling Televideo, Quasar, Casio.

PHILADELPHIA — HEATHKIT ELECTRONIC CENTER,
6318 Roosevelt Blvd. (215) 288-0180. Heath/Zenith Comput¬
ers, Software, Peripherals.

FRAZER — HEATHKIT ELECTRONIC CENTER, 630 Lan-
caster Pike, (Rt. 30) 19355. (215) 647-5555. Heath/Zenith
Computers, Software, Peripherals.

PITTSBURGH —HEATHKIT ELECTRONIC CENTER, 3482
Wm. Penn. Hwy. 15230. (412) 824-3564. Heath/Zenith Com¬
puters, Software, Peripherals.

FRAZER-COMPUTER FORUM—490 Lancaster Pike,
Frazer, 19355. (215) 296-3474. Commodore/Altos/Atari—
Hardware/Software; Epson. Service/Training.

THE COMPUTER SOURCE—546 Penn. Ave., West Read-
ing. Pa. 19611, (215) 375-4231. Apple, I.D.S., Sales/Service
training.

NEWSY-AT-THE-CHATHAM, 139 South Twentieth Street,
Philadelphia, PA 19103. Largest selection of computer maga¬
zines.

RHODE ISLAND

WARWICK — HEATHKIT ELECTRONIC CENTER, 558
Greenwich Ave. (401) 738-5150.

SOUTH CAROLINA

OPTEC COMPUTER SYSTEMS: PO Box 210546, Columbia,
SC 29221, (803) 731-9731. Systems Service, Software, Data
Processing.

SOUTH DAKOTA

COMPUTER SYSTEMS DESIGN—2139 Jackson Blvd.,
Rapid City, 57701. (605) 341-3662. Apple, Vector Graphics.
Custom Software. Restaurant Management!

UTAH

MIDVALE —HEATHKIT ELECTRONIC CENTER, 58 East
7200 South. 22303. (801) 566-4626. Heath/Zenith Comput¬
ers, Software, Peripherals.

VIRGINIA

ALEXANDRIA —HEATHKIT ELECTRONIC CENTER, 6201
Richmond Hwy., 22303. (703) 765-5515. Heath/Zenith Com¬
puters, Software, Peripherals.

VIRGINIA BEACH — HEATHKIT ELECTRONIC CENTER,
1055 Independence Blvd. (804) 460-0997. Heath/Zenith
Computers, Software, Peripherals.

VIRGINIA BEACH, UNITED COMPUTER CENTER—IBM,
Apple, Osborne, Vector Graphics, Olivetti, Alpha Micro, 2929
Virginia Beach Blvd. 23452. 804-340-1977; 1107 South Milit¬
ary Highway, 804-424-1075.

SOFTWARE CITY, 9027 Quioccasin Rd„ Richmond, (804)
750-8400.

WASHINGTON

SEATTLE — HEATHKIT ELECTRONIC CENTER, 505 8th
Ave., N., 98109. (206) 682-2172. Heath/Zenith Computers,
Software, Peripherals.

TUKWILA — HEATHKIT ELECTRONIC CENTER, 15439
53rd Ave., S., 98188. (206) 246-5358. Heath/Zenith Comput¬
ers, Software, Peripherals.

VANCOUVER — HEATHKIT ELECTRONIC CENTER, 516
S.E. Chaklov Dr., 98661. (206) 254-4441. Heath/Zenith
Computers, Software, Peripherals.

CENTRALIA—DSC COMPANY. 119 West Magnolia 98531.
(206) 736-3240. Atari, Commodore, Helix/6809. Services,
Consulting, and supplies.

KENT VIDEO AND COMPUTERS—1415 West Meeker
98031. (206) 854-7629. Atari/Kaycomp-2/Commodore.
Printers/Modems/Software/Books.

YAKIMA—ROB ROY COMPUTER SHOP—1109 West
Yakima Avenue 98902. (509) 575-7704. Northstar, Atari,
Software, Peripherals, Magazines.

ELLENSBURG—COMPUTERCRAFT. 115 West 4th 98926.
(509) 925-3755. Popular Software/Hardware, Business/
Personal. Books/Magazines. Classes. Services.

KIRKLAND—USS ENTERPRISE, 12091 124th Avenue NE
98033. (206) 821-5353. Game Software. Atari, Intellivision,
Odyssey, Astrocade, Coleco.

ELECTRONIC SUPER MART—Parkway Plaza 98188, (206)
575-1093/3070 Kitsap Way, Bremerton 98310, (206) 377-
3979. Commodore Business Machines. Parts.

TACOMA—COMPUTERS +. 2504 Jefferson Avenue 98402.
(206) 272-2329. Atari/VIC Computers. Atari/Apple/TRS-
80/Commodore Software. Supplies.

WISCONSIN

BLUE LAKES COMPUTING—Apple, Fortune, Osborne,
Sony—Software, Service, Supplies—Madison (608) 233-
6502—Brookfield/Waukesha 53186. (414) 785-1788—
Maxell Diskettes $2.29, limit 3 per customer with coupon.

MAGIC LANTERN—406 South Park Street, Madison 53715.
(608) 251-9112. All Atari Products. 500 Programs in stock.

PHOTOART VISUAL SERVICE—840 North Plankinton, Mil-
waukee 53203. (414) 271-2270. Bell & Howell, Apple. Educa¬
tional/Industrial Software.

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15 (MINIMUM)

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* index to advertisers *

Reader

Service No. Advertiser

Page

101

Aardvark Technical Services

169

102

AB Computers

275

103

Abacus

166

104

ABC Data Products

250

105

Addmaster Corporation

268

106

Advanced Logic Systems

109

Adventure International

•

ALF Products

110

Allenbach Industries

111

American Small Business Computers

247

112

American Software Club

257

315

Anidata

107

Apple Computer, Inc.

36-37

108

Apple Computer, Inc.

128-129

113

Appleware, Inc.

258

115

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